HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A series of burglaries in Houston’s Museum District and Montrose area has left residents worried about their safety and belongings.
The Houston Police Department reports more than six break-ins at two apartment complexes, including six incidents at Boone Manor Apartments on Crawford Street.
Caroline Buchalter experienced a frightening intrusion, captured on her Nest camera, where her door and sense of security were violated.
“As soon as I saw it, I called the police. I started to head home, trying to figure out what I could do. I was worried about my cat and worried about everything,” Buchalter said.
She moved to Boone Manor expecting a safer environment than her previous residence but was disappointed by the experience.
“I was just really expecting to have this great luxury experience that they were promising, and it didn’t happen,” Buchalter added.
She discovered that her case was not an isolated incident. Houston police confirmed that four other apartments were burglarized on the same day, July 25.
“We didn’t know until the residents started talking, but there was another break-in on July 1, and we were never notified about it,” Buchalter noted.
That earlier break-in affected a mother of two, who reported that burglars stole purses and jewelry worth approximately $50,000. The incident left her feeling so unsafe that she decided to move out, asking to remain anonymous.
“My husband is going to stay here for the remainder of our lease, and I am going to leave today with my children because I just don’t feel safe. I don’t want to feel this way,” she said.
Similar concerns were voiced by tenants at another nearby complex, The Sovereign in Montrose, where three units were broken into on July 26. Resident Jen Bergmark returned home to find her purses and irreplaceable family jewelry stolen.
“You can’t get back those memorable, one-of-a-kind items. It’s frustrating that someone is just able to come into your home and walk out with them,” Bergmark expressed.
The Houston Police Department is investigating whether these break-ins are connected, noting that in all eight cases, the victims were not home, making them feel specifically targeted.
In response, Boone Manor has increased courtesy patrols, required residents to meet delivery drivers in the lobby, and is considering additional security measures. ABC13 was unable to get a comment from The Sovereign.
