West Side Vehicle Break-Ins

At a glance

• What: A summer 2026 wave of vehicle thefts and break-ins on the west side tied to a national social media trend targeting certain Hyundai and Kia models.

• Where it stands: Three detectives are working 27 cases; 10 juvenile suspects ages 9 to 15, only four old enough to petition to court; three have been petitioned.

• Next: Patrols continue; DCYF follow up.

• September 1: Chief Marr said the suspects are pre-teens and early teens; younger ones were visited with parents and offered Office of Youth Services resources, with DCYF checking on supervision. Plainclothes detectives work overnight; the 4 to 12 and midnight shifts focus on the area.

• Two west side residents said the break-ins have gone on six to eight weeks, cars were damaged, and police inquiries felt unresponsive. Terrio asked what happens when a very young offender commits a serious crime; Chief Marr said DCYF and possibly removal from the home. Bonilla urged working with school social workers and resource officers; Chief Marr said My Turn is involved.

Sources

• Board of Mayor and Aldermen minutes, September 1, 2026: https://manchesternh.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=5309,plainText=false)

Log

2026-09-01 - Board of Mayor and Aldermen

Chief's update on investigations and juvenile limits.