West-side neighborhood on edge after string of car break-ins

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - About four people living in the Desert Star subdivision, located near Greasewood and Anklam Roads, said they woke up Friday morning to find personal items missing from their vehicles.

"It's pretty irritating," said Emily Ramonett, who said someone broke into the back of her mother's truck and stole a printer. "People don't know how to just work for their things. It's annoying."

One neighbor said someone stole her child's tablet while another said they woke up missing tools.

Another neighbor posted a sign on each of the subdivision's mailbox stations asking her fellow neighbors for help.

The note said someone broke into her car and stole a black tote bag with two case files inside.

"The burglars might have thought my tote bag was a big purse," the note said.

Meanwhile, several neighbors said they are helping each other out and watching each other's houses if someone is away.

David Holguin, who just moved into the neighborhood about a month ago, said he offered to watch a neighbor's house while she was gone.

"I'm very disappointed," Holguin said. "This is a very beautiful neighborhood and quite honestly, I was not expecting anything like this to happen."

Spokesman for the Tucson Police Department Sgt. Pete Dugan said they are investigating this case and said car break-in sprees tend to pop up around town in certain neighborhoods.

In November 2015, the department released its "Lock Your Cars" PSA urging people to keep their vehicles locked at all times.

The video showcases reennactments of how and why criminals choose certain vehicles and how you can prevent becoming a victim.

Watch the video here: tucsonne.ws/1QSUvex

Some of their tips include:

Always lock your doors
Don't leave your valuables in plain sight
If you have to put your valuables in your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
If you see something suspicious, call 911 and report it immediately