Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said three juveniles were arrested in connection to the most recent spree.

MINNEAPOLIS — More than 500 vehicles have been damaged in Minneapolis over the past month and a half, including at least 100 reported Tuesday as sprees of vandalism continue to occur throughout the city and in surrounding communities.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara spoke about the most recent rash of vandalism Tuesday evening, saying three juveniles were taken into custody after being spotted early Tuesday morning in one of the two stolen vehicles that were believed to be connected to the crimes. O’Hara added that all three of the juveniles had been arrested before, adding that two of them were “very well-known” to police.

O’Hara said that one of the biggest obstacles they’ve faced is being alerted to the crime while it’s occurring.

“Most of the time, the greatest problem that we have, is finding out that it’s happening when it’s happening,” O’Hara said. “If it’s just a car or a series of cars parked on the street at 4 o’clock in the morning, unless there’s someone to see that to call us, often times we’re not finding out until hours later.”

O’Hara didn’t have specific numbers, but said that there has been a “dramatic” increase in vehicle vandalism this summer as compared to recent years.

Brooklyn Park, St. Louis Park and Edina are a few other communities that O’Hara said have been impacted by similar vandalism sprees. On Tuesday, Golden Valley Police said about 15 vehicles were targeted in an overnight rash of break-ins.

If your vehicle was damaged or broken into, please report it immediately by either calling 911 or 311. You can also report it in person at your nearest precinct, or file an online report here: Online Police Report – City of Minneapolis.

Some tips to help prevent future vehicle damage and break-ins include:

Report suspicious activity near vehicles to 911 immediatelyWhen calling 911, helpful information for officers includes:Description of individuals engaged in the behaviorDescription including license plates of any vehicles involvedDirection of travel of those involvedPark in well-lit and busy areasTake your keys with youHide or take your valuables with youItems like phones, bags, or electronics can be a target for vehicle thievesÂ