HOUSTON — A string of broken car windows greeted several families in one southwest Houston community Sunday morning.
Residents reached out to KHOU 11 News, sharing surveillance video and pictures of the damage hoping it will deter the suspected criminals and also raise awareness.
The surveillance video shows the moments someone breaks out a back passenger window. You hear the glass shatter, just before this duo spots the camera. Moments later, the camera is knocked down.
"Ours, as well as most of our neighbors' cars were broken into last night, and the windows were busted out," said Katrina Evans.
Evans and Undrea Miller-Hines live in the gated Cattails Townhomes Community. They said about a dozen others woke up Sunday morning to find their car windows shattered and items missing.
"I’m thinking it’s the tint that was on my car that saved my passenger window, but my husband’s Hyundai they shattered his entire driver-side glass," said Miller-Hines.
They shared a series of photos of damaged cars inside the gate, but said the suspected thieves also hit cars parked outside the gate.
This couple didn't talk on camera but said cars typically line both sides of the street. Many had already gone by the time they found their window broken and while walking their dog this morning.
"It just felt like being victimized all over again," they said.
Evans said just over a month ago her home was burglarized while she was asleep inside. She wonders if these people have been here before.
"We’ve had several burglaries within the last 12 to 18 months and it seems to be the same set of young men. They’re not in a hurry they’re just going hard car, checking doors, breaking windows," Miller-Hines said.
Both said this isn't just a violation; Continuing this type of crime could have devasting impacts on the perpetrators.
"One day you’re gonna go across the wrong person and next time you see, your kid might not be so happy," Evans said.
The pair KHOU 11 News spoke to both filed police reports with the Houston Police Department. KHOU 11 News has also contacted the property management and we are waiting to hear back.