La Quinta residents concerned over thefts and vehicle break-ins

Residents in various northern La Quinta neighborhoods are growing concerned over vehicle break-ins and thefts in their area.

According to Nextdoor, a neighborhood social media site and app a number of people cited instances where burglars stole Christmas decorations, mail, or items out of vehicles.

Gregg Anderson, a resident in the Bella Vista neighborhood said, he found his car broken into Thursday morning. He said luckily nothing valuable was stolen but the inside of his car was ransacked.

“I just came out to my car this morning and noticed that all my stuff was kind of like laying all over my car from my glove box…and realized someone had gone through the car,” he said.

Anderson said he unfortunately did not remember to lock his car. He did remember hearing about a nearby neighbor having tire stolen from a car parked outside of his home a few days earlier.

Another resident, Christina Conlon, said she saw the concerned posts about the thefts and break-ins and felt disheartened.

“It’s upsetting, and to hear that people’s Christmas decorations, and cars and around the holiday. It’s just awful,” she said. “I think people are just taking advantage of good people.”

Deputy Armando Munoz, public information officer for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, said it was a good idea for residents make sure their property is secured.

“Make sure you shut your garage door at all times,” he said. “If you have an alarm system please turn it on. A lot of people have an alarm system and they don’t turn them on.”

Munoz also suggested keeping valuables out of public sight, have lights on inside the house to deter burglars, and importantly remember to lock all vehicles and the house. He encouraged anyone in the community to reach out to deputies if they see something suspicious.