CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) -- A family in Chula Vista is beefing up security and warning their neighbors after surveillance cameras caught someone breaking in.
Video shows a burglar smashing through a door in the house and ransacking the place before the family returned home with their young son with special needs.
“It’s almost like TSA after 911. You just gotta not stop living your life; you got to fortify yourself and live your life a little differently right now,” said Dean Riggott.
It’s the life Riggott, his wife, and their 9-year-old son say they’re living after surveillance footage from their kitchen captured the incident.
“It’s a complete violation, like, right now I’m sleeping downstairs to be the first line of defense.”
Riggott is defending his family against a burglar who smashed through a glass door and made his way inside. The family wasn’t home at the time.
Their son was the first to notice the home had been burglarized.
“He said, 'Dad, there is something wrong with the door, and there’s stuff all over the ground',” said Riggott.
The 9-year-old couldn’t see what was wrong with the door because he is mostly blind. He also has autism.
“Told my son immediately to get out, grabbed a knife and my club.”
Police came minutes after being called but the burglar was long gone. The family was uneasy after seeing iPads, video game systems, and other expensive items untouched.
“He’s talking to somebody the whole time on a Bluetooth, and I think that’s a key point.”
Other than destroying things, the thief seemed to only target vintage, high-end purses, taking about $4,000 worth.
“He came in with socks on, he’s in the system; he must be in the system if he’s worried about his fingerprints.”
Riggott says he hopes someone will recognize the man's face. Since the incident, Riggott says he has beefed up security and is hoping his neighbors will do the same.
“Fortify your house, make sure you’re locking your doors, check your windows, and make sure your family is safe.”
