Overnight Vehicle Break In Spree Prompts Public Alert in Columbia Heights

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. 

A coordinated series of vehicle break ins across multiple neighborhoods has prompted the Columbia Heights Police Department to issue a public alert and request assistance from residents as investigators work to identify those responsible.

According to police, officers responded to a high volume of calls late Tuesday night, January 28, 2026, and into the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, reporting smashed vehicle windows and items stolen from parked cars throughout the city. While the total number of affected vehicles has not yet been released, authorities say the pattern and timing suggest a targeted overnight spree rather than isolated incidents.

A Suspect Vehicle Identified

Investigators have identified a white Jeep Cherokee, believed to be a late model SUV, as the suspect vehicle connected to the incidents. Surveillance footage obtained from residents shows the vehicle moving through residential areas during the overnight hours.

Video evidence reviewed by police depicts occupants exiting the SUV, breaking vehicle windows in quick smash and grab actions, and entering cars to search for valuables. Authorities say the suspects appeared to focus on items left in plain sight, including small electronics, bags, and other easily carried property.

Ongoing Investigation

The Columbia Heights Police Department is working closely with Anoka County Dispatch to consolidate reports, map incident locations, and review video footage. Investigators are analyzing high definition recordings from doorbell cameras, residential security systems, and nearby businesses in hopes of identifying the vehicle’s license plate or obtaining clearer images of the suspects.

As of midday Wednesday, no arrests had been announced, and the investigation remains active.

How Residents Can Help

Police are asking residents to take an active role in the investigation by reviewing any available footage from the overnight hours.

Authorities are seeking:

• Video, photos, or dash camera footage showing a white Jeep Cherokee or similar white SUV
• Recordings captured between 10:00 PM on January 28 and 5:00 AM on January 29
• Any information that may help identify the vehicle or its occupants

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Anoka County Dispatch at 763-427-1212. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they observe suspicious activity in progress or believe the suspects are still nearby.

A Reminder on Prevention

While investigators pursue leads, law enforcement officials are urging residents to take basic precautions that can reduce the risk of vehicle thefts. Police emphasize that many overnight break ins are opportunistic, even when more aggressive methods like window smashing are used.

Officers recommend following a simple evening checklist often referred to as the 9 PM routine:

• Remove all valuables: Do not leave bags, wallets, electronics, or loose change in vehicles, even when locked.
• Light it up: Park in well lit areas or near motion activated lighting whenever possible.
• Lock doors: Locked doors remain a primary deterrent and can slow or discourage would be thieves.

Police also encourage residents to report any vehicle damage or theft promptly so incidents can be documented and patterns identified quickly.

The Columbia Heights Police Department says updates will be shared as additional information becomes available and urges community members to remain alert while the investigation continues.

MinneapoliMedia