Del Cerro Residents Worried Over Recent Burglaries

SAN DIEGO -- Del Cerro is a quiet neighborhood in San Diego.

However, according to some who live in the area, that's what makes it a perfect target for crime.

"She was driving home, pulling into the driveway. She heard a car that was parked honk its horn. When she opened the garage door, she could hear rumbling, people running down the stairs inside the house. So, she caught them in the act," said Del Cerro homeowner Herman Peniche.

Peniche is recalling how his wife came home two years ago to discover their home being burglarized.

"They jumped over the backyard fence, then jumped over the side yard fence and escaped through the neighbor's yard," said Peniche.

It was like déjà vu when Peniche came home last week to discover his neighbor's home was hit.

"I came home, saw his garage door open and the door from the garage leading into the house was open. I peaked inside the house and saw some debris and some open drawers and called the police right away and investigated. And sure enough they had been robbed," said Peniche.

Peniche's neighbor is one of at least 11 homeowners in the area who have reported burglaries since April.

Now, San Diego police are on high alert.

Peniche said he still feels safe.

"The access gates to either side of the house should be locking gates. Make sure that they have all windows are locked, maybe put some sticks in the window to prevent the sliding of those windows and an alarm system," Peniche recommended.

An alarm system might cost a couple thousand dollars, but it could save homeowners even more.

If residents of Del Cerro and Allied Gardens see any suspicious activity, they are urged to call the San Diego Police Department.