Residents in one neighborhood in the high desert city of Hesperia say they’re worried about their community after what they are calling a rash of crimes.
In Northeast Hesperia, neighbors say there have been stolen cars and break ins - so many some have recently installed fences around their homes.
"We moved into this neighborhood... Because it was safe,” says Terri Kovac. But recently, she said, it’s changed.
"It just seems to be getting worse everyday," she said.
Just a couple of weeks ago someone stole a truck from Terri's driveway, and other residents have also been victims of mostly petty crimes.
"A lot of people jumping backyard gates," says Shawn Karr. She says someone tried to siphon gas from her vehicle Wednesday. "I feel violated, very violated. I don't feel safe anymore," she says.
Hesperia police, though, say there have only been a handful of reports.
"We are dependent on our citizens to help us out," said San Bernardino County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Susan Rose.
Rose says many people may not be reporting crimes because they aren’t serious in nature, and victims may not think they’re worth reporting.
But, she says, that means the department doesn’t know where to increase patrols.
“We encourage people to go with their gut if it doesn't feel right it may not be right so feel free to call,” she says.
Kovac’s neighbor Valerie Rodriguez admits she’s one of those people.
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She recently added motion detector lights over her garage because her cars have been targeted twice by gas thieves, but she didn’t report the thefts.
"If this happens what are you going to do? Report it," Rodriguez now says.
Kovac is hoping others do the same.
"Keep an eye out and maybe catch who's doing all this stuff," she says.
