A group of teenagers is wreaking havoc on a vacant home in San Diego, leaving the owners in shock over the extent of the damage.
Since August of last year, numerous properties in the area have been broken into, becoming playgrounds for rowdy youths ready to cause chaos. NBC San Diego reported on the alarming situation.
Homeowners are facing up to thousands in damages, with issues ranging from fireworks being set off to damaged smoke detectors and large holes punched in walls.
Yet, the police have found it challenging to make arrests, as identifying party attendees proves difficult.
One particular gathering resulted in $7,000 worth of damage, but another incident hit the homeowners even harder, both financially and emotionally. Retired Navy Lt. Troy Ezaki expressed deep feelings about a repair bill that reached $250,000.
“It could have been much worse,” said Munoz, reflecting on the damages. “No one was hurt. The house didn’t burn down.”
Vanessa Munoz, a real estate agent, described her shock upon discovering the aftermath of the party. She learned the details only the next day. “This wasn’t just a party. They set off fireworks… There were burn marks on the wall, a huge hole as if someone had been thrown into it. The sliding glass door was completely shattered,” she recounted.
Many of these parties are planned through social media, with details often kept secret until moments before they start. Flyers are circulated to generate excitement among attendees.
Lt. Cesar Jimenez from the San Diego Police Department explained that some teens are using online listings to scout for empty houses, akin to how a burglar might stake out a target.
Jimenez noted, “Even though they’re young, they’re sophisticated. They’re searching on sites like Redfin to find vacant properties.” He also pointed out the systemic issue: “Even if we identify someone hosting the event, it often becomes a he-said-she-said situation.”
Despite the difficulties in prosecuting those involved, police claim to be building cases against many of the party organizers, with some being minors.
Real estate agents involved in selling these homes feel that teens should face consequences, even if they weren’t the ones who initiated the party. “It’s frustrating when you think about it,” said agent Carla Vidrio. “Even if we don’t know who started it, these kids know they’re breaking the law.”
