Reykjavik resident calls break-in wave an epidemic

A resident of Reykjavik’s Vesturbær district says a recent surge in break-ins has become an epidemic. Teitur Atlason, who lives near Hringbraut, told mbl.is that residents should focus on those committing the offences rather than blaming the healthcare system, politicians or police.

“We should not look inward, but look directly into the eyes of the person committing the burglary. There has been more than enough pointless tolerance towards crimes like this,” Atlason said.

He said his daughter’s car was broken into on Ásvallagata last Wednesday, with sunglasses, golf gloves and other items stolen after the vehicle was searched.

The following day, Atlason said, a suspected burglar was caught on his Ring security camera at his home. He did not believe anything had been stolen, but said the person appeared to have entered his garage and hidden something under their clothing.

Atlason’s wife was at home at the time. “It seems that nothing stopped the thief, and that is distressing,” he said.

The next day, someone tried to break into a neighbour’s car, denting the door. Around the same time, a friend of Atlason’s who works in house repairs had tools stolen from his vehicle after briefly leaving it to carry some of them into a job.

“I keep a close eye on things and have lived here for a long time. This is just an epidemic,” Atlason said. He described the incidents as pointless rummaging and vandalism, with little apparent gain for the perpetrators.

Atlason said police responded immediately to his reports and rejected suggestions that officers were to blame for the wave of break-ins.

He said he was tired of people repeatedly pointing to substance-use problems and claiming that society had failed those involved. “It has nothing to do with the matter,” he said. “It is simply a stranger rummaging around in my garage. I do not care if this person is having a difficult time; they have no business being inside my garage.”

Atlason said many people faced hardships without breaking into other people’s homes. He also described it as serious when people failed to report break-ins because they believed little damage had been caused or did not think police could help.