CARLSBAD, Calif. — A previous version of this story stated the meeting was held by Carlsbad's mayor the city police. It was organized by a local neighborhood watch group, but city leaders offered the group a place to host the meeting.
People living in one Carlsbad neighborhood say they're on edge after a string of burglaries in recent weeks.
Police say at least five homes have been broken into since November in Carlsbad's La Costa neighborhood. Dozens of neighbors shared some of their concerns at a safety meeting organized by a neighborhood watch group that the city's mayor and Carlsbad police attended. Wednesday's meeting focused on the steps the community can take to protect themselves and their homes.
Neighbors tell CBS 8, the recent crime wave has them shaken.
“It's the most concerned we’ve been since we’ve lived in the area for sure. We’ve never seen the rash of burglaries that are cropping up right now," said one resident.
Carlsbad police say the thieves tend to target affluent areas and primarily only steal jewelry, designer purses, shoes, cash and gold bars — taking items that are untraceable.
“This is happening in other areas in our community both locally and regionally," said Capt. Jeff Smith, Carlsbad Police Department.
Some neighbors are concerned about the proximity to children.
“For me the concern too, is that most of the burglaries are right around an elementary school,” said a resident.
Resident Dennis Capps lives in the area and although his home wasn’t targeted recently, he was the victim of a break-in several years ago.
“It’s becoming pretty widespread and hitting our community it’s pretty scary. It’s not really an injury type of crime it’s just an invasion of personal space and property," he said.
Captain Smith says homes that are backed up against green belts, golf courses, nature preserves, and access roads are being targeted. He adds that thieves primarily break in through the second floor, usually through windows or glass doors.
“We are actively looking at ways we can proactively target these individuals, arrest these individuals and hold them to justice," added Smith.
Detectives urged the community to protect their homes by installing several surveillance cameras with multiple angles to cover as much of their home as possible. Officials also say to make sure all doors and windows are locked and install security screens on glass windows to make it harder for thieves to break in. Police also say floodlights and motion detection lights can keep criminals away.
"We cannot stress enough, be a community, know your neighbors, know their patterns and again, if you see something, say something," added Smith.
Other tips police say can help prevent a break In, is taking your home or any details of it off the internet, including Google, Zillow or any other real estate websites.
They say the key is making sure it looks like there's someone home all the time.
Police say they’re working with other regional partners to catch the suspects. No arrests have been made so far.
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