Break-ins

According to information provided to the SADM Administrator, there has been a series of break-ins and attempted break-ins over the past week and a half.

1) The most recent incident (reported 4/22/2010) was the theft of a computer from a residence in the 100 block of Cantil. This theft occurred sometime during the night/early morning in an office area of the residence while the occupants were present in other areas. In this incident, the perpetrator gained entrance through an unlocked window.

2) At approximately 2:30 am yesterday (April 21), a perpetrator attempted to break into an occupied residence in the 400 block of Farallon, but was driven off by the residents.

3) Last week, we received reports of an individual running across roof-tops adjacent to the 600-block pool. In the same week, attempted break-ins occurred in 2 occupied homes in the 800 block of Roca during the early morning hours. In both cases, it appears only one perpetrator was involved, and in one, the residents left bedroom sliding doors unlocked. An unoccupied house in the 700 block of Roca was forcibly entered. Relatively inexpensive, small items were taken from the residence but it was ransacked. The thief entered through a small side window (12 x 12 inches) which he had broken.

4) Sometime during the past ten days while the homeowners were away, a burglar broke down the entrance of their house in the 400 block of Farallon and stole a computer and other small valuables. This crime was reported today. Our security stated that there was evidence the burglar had turned off the electricity, perhaps in an attempt to determine if anyone was present before committing the burglary.

Based on the limited information available, it is our opinion that these incidents are a pattern of criminal activity committed by one individual who is apparently of medium build, thin (entrance through very small window at Roca house), agile (athletic), most likely young.

These are the incidents that have been reported to the Administrator’s office. It is critically important, as we pointed out in our recent Security Bulletin of April 14, that residents report IMMEDIATELY to the guard caseta (631 30 26) any crimes and/or suspicious activity or behavior. DO NOT HESITATE TO REPORT ANYTHING OR ANYONE THAT CAUSES YOU CONCERN. Also, if a crime has been committed in the past and you discover it now, even minor thefts, report them to the Administrator, Dr. Alvarez (631 33 63).

In two of these incidents, the perpetrator entered through an unsecured window or door. Make certain that all entrances into your house are locked at all times, even if you are present in your residence or leaving it for a short period of time. This is especially urgent for those houses which have entrances that are easily accessible or immediately adjacent to the street, vacant lots, unoccupied residences, etc.

Also in two of the incidents, ladders were conveniently available for the thief to gain access to upper levels of the residences. Do a security inventory of your residence and its surroundings to make certain that items are not present that can aid or encourage a break-in. We have continually recommended that residents install a security alarm system in their houses. If you are not able to do this, at least have motion detector lights placed strategically around the perimeter of your property. In the case of one of the attempted break-ins on Roca, the motion-sensitive lights which turned on when the perpetrator entered a patio area contributed to scaring him off.

Finally, San Antonio is a large community. We have over 800 lot parcels with houses on most. Our security team can be present at only one place at any given time. In a real sense, each of us has to consider ourselves a “security guard.” We ARE the first line of prevention and defense for ourselves and our neighbors.

We hope with your support, your extra vigilance, the strengthening of your house security and encouragement of neighbors to do the same, we will put an end to the current string of property crimes and eliminate the need for notices such as this.

Your San Antonio del Mar Homeowners Committee and Administrator

Al Rosen, President

Dra. Martha Alvarez, Administrator