Rash Of Burglaries Puts Indio Community On Alert

Indian Springs is a gated community along Jefferson Street with serious security concerns — 29 burglaries during November and December.

Neighbors said that for awhile, they had no idea what was happening. But that’s changed.

“Now, it seems the whole community is aware of what’s going on,” said Indian Springs resident Doug Davis.

Davis’ home was not burglarized, but he’s surrounded by neighbors who have been targeted.

“Across the street, couple doors down, three doors down here,” pointed Davis to his neighbors’ homes.

Indio police said thieves targeted unoccupied rental or vacation homes, hoping to get away with quick, easy-to-carry loot such as cash and jewelry.

In many cases, criminals ransacked the homes but didn’t take anything.

According to the Indian Springs Homeowners Association, there were 24 break-ins west of Jefferson Street — only five on the east side.

Most involved a rear or side door being pried or kicked open.

Nearly all the homes back up to a golf course and thieves may have used it to case-out the neighborhood.

“Some people have been seen with cell phones walking along the wall and observing the backyards and talking at the same time. What that means, I don’t know,” said resident Glenn Strong.

Residents are stepping up their own security, reinforcing doors and locking up anything they can.

For the most part, thieves have passed on homes with signs indicating there’s an alarm system.

No arrests have been made.

Police said they’re doing more patrols and following up on leads, and they’re telling everyone to be alert and report anything suspicious.