Spur of thefts at Harlingen apartment complex leave residents seeking answers

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Residents at the St. James Apartments in Harlingen are calling for action after several thefts occurred in the last month.

They say the alleged suspect has been seen on the property every day this week.

Tenants and management believe the same man is responsible. He has been targeting first-floor backyards, patios, and vehicles, stealing several tools.

Apartment manager Maria Gonzalez says that in all her years living and working at St. James, she’s never experienced anything like this. She fears the suspected thief has become too comfortable on the property.

“The fact is that he’s walking onto our property. Before, it was once a week, or every two weeks, but now it seems like over the past week, he’s been sighted every day. And that’s what’s scary,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez tells us the man was caught breaking into a vehicle on Tuesday morning. He ran off before police arrived, leaving behind what she believes to be his bicycle, a sweater, a rope, and some wrenches.

In addition to reaching out to law enforcement, management is taking steps to strengthen their own security measures.

Apart from their gates, fences, and security cameras, they are adding more lighting and installing additional cameras and barriers.

ValleyCentral has reached out to Harlingen PD regarding the thefts but has not yet received a response.