From break-ins, to package thefts - some even caught on camera - neighbors in Chula Vista say a string of crimes makes them feel like crooks are taking over their neighborhood. All this, happening in Otay Ranch Village, between Traver court and Gustine street.
“It’s just a gut punch,” said Matt Smith, who had a bike stolen from his garage and a package from his porch. “My wife is five months pregnant, so as we start getting baby stuff delivered to the house, it’s a violation.”
Smith also has a 14-year-old step-daughter, so he installed surveillance cameras, catching two criminals in the act.
“This is a good neighborhood, it’s coming up that it’s Halloween, we’re supposed to be having fun, and it’s not a good feeling,” Smith said. “I don’t want to be a hostage in my own neighborhood.”
Smith told 10News multiple neighbors have shared similar crime stories with him.
“People are stealing stuff from their house, amazon packages, breaking in, breaking into cars, and someone’s got to do something about it,” he said.
Another resident told 10News that a family member was asleep inside during a home invasion. He said three teens crawled in a window and began steeling jewelry and electronics before being chased out of the house. The chase was also captured on surveillance cameras.
Neighbors are now passing out flyers and adding additional cameras to combat the thieves.
