DANVILLE, Calif. (KRON) — A Danville neighborhood remains on high alert after a group of burglars was seen breaking into residents’ cars and using items found inside to break into their homes.
Neighbors told NewsNation affiliate KRON4 the safety bubble of their Danville neighborhood was ruined after a group of people in masks were caught breaking into their cars and stealing garage door openers.
On Sunday morning around 7 a.m., Ring door cameras off of Blackstone Drive caught a group of people running away after breaking into a home.
“[The neighbor] chased them out of her house and the garage and down the street, screaming at them. And what is bizarre about this is that the perpetrators were running and laughing at her,” Jeffrey Su, the victim’s neighbor, said.
Su said the group was seen breaking into several of his neighbors’ cars looking for garage openers.
“They managed to get her garage door opener from her car in the driveway out; then they went into her house while the kids were inside and took her keys.”
Minutes later, a few streets away, Mike Pawlawski came face to face with the same group.
“Three guys were coming into my garage in masks with hoodies. They went into several neighbors’ houses,” Pawlwaski said.
He says they broke into his car, stole several of his hunting knives and used the garage clicker to get inside. Mike says he acted on instinct, chased them away and called the police.
“Danville PD was fantastic. They immediately responded and sent units. Before coming to the house, it became an active pursuit and [PD] literally chased them. They went into Alameda County, which doesn’t allow pursuits… so they got away,” Pawlawski said.
Danville police said they are investigating a series of car break-ins in neighborhoods, sharing that at least eight cars were recently broken into, with some resulting in residential burglaries.
Suspects got into at least five garages using garage clickers found in the cars. Police said many of the cars were “left unlocked.”
“We deserve to feel safe in our home, and right now, we don’t. And it’s a direct result of the politicians and lawmakers we have put into power. If we aren’t thoughtful about that, that’s on us,” Pawlawski said.
Police want to remind people to lock all doors to cars, garages and their homes. They also don’t recommend using garage clickers. In the meantime, some Danville residents are increasing their own security and plan to start a neighborhood watch group.