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Winter Texan burglaries plague Weslaco
WESLACO -- A rash of burglaries in mobile home communities here has left police and residents scratching their heads.
About 20 mobile homes on the east side of the city have been burglarized since Nov. 2, with criminals taking off with jewelry, televisions, liquor and more.
The burglaries have targeted the homes of Winter Texans who have not yet returned to the city for the season.
"What we're trying to do is start a neighborhood watch when the citizens come in," said Weslaco police spokesman David Molina. "We're telling them not to leave anything valuable behind when they're gone nine months of the year."
Molina said at least 14 homes were burglarized at the Southern Comfort Resort and Country Sunshine Mobile Home Park communities next to each other near Airport Drive and 18th Street.
MAP: Where the burglaries have been reported:
City Commissioner Patrick Kennedy, who represents the area, said an additional four burglaries have occurred at Magic Valley Mobile Home Park and there were three more at Pine to Palm Mobile Home Park. Both of those parks are near International Boulevard and Business 83.
Molina said police have not identified any suspects yet, but it appears burglars entered the Airport Drive parks through an orchard adjacent to the communities.
Molina said the Police Department has increased patrols near the communities and will have undercover officers at Winter Texan parks to help prevent more burglaries and identify the culprits.
Jeanette Roberts, an employee at Southern Comfort, said it's good news that nobody has been hurt, but residents are still scared.
"They're nervous," Roberts said. "They're worried. They're concerned. Most of them are mad."
Melissa Cortez, who manages the two parks on Airport Drive, said Winter Texans are just now beginning to arrive for the season.
At least two victims were en route to Weslaco when the crimes occurred, Cortez said.
She explained that it's not unusual for Winter Texan parks to get burglarized in the off-season, since criminals know the homes are unoccupied and there isn't very much space to hide valuables.
But she said she has never seen so many burglaries happen so quickly.
"They're trashing the place," Cortez said. "They're looking in cabinets and mattresses. ... They know where these people hide the valuables. They kind of know where to look."
She said she's considering measures to improve security at the parks.
Kennedy said security is a priority of his and he has already met with residents to discuss the situation.
He said he'll join management, police and residents Friday to discuss ways to improve safety at Southern Comfort and Country Sunshine.
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Ryan Holeywell covers McAllen, PSJA, the Mid-Valley and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4446.
