Raleigh neighbors frustrated by months of break-ins, vandalism by children: 'Very concerned'
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Residents in a Raleigh neighborhood say a series of break-ins, property damage, and rock-throwing incidents involving children from a nearby apartment complex have left them feeling unsafe for months.
"The most frustrating is not feeling safe in your own home. It is pretty heavy. We love to live here," one neighbor said, who did not want to be identified. Several residents, who declined to show their faces on camera for fear of personal retaliation, said the behavior has become worse.
"The situation has been escalating dramatically," one said. Another added, "And unfortunately, yesterday they went inside homes after breaking windows. So what's going to be next? Who knows?"
One family said a large rock was thrown through their window on Tuesday, nearly striking their 6-month-old son.
"This (rock) is about the size of my 6-month-old's head, a little bit smaller. So I'm really concerned if this we had been there, if this hits him in the head or any other part of the body that that it could end really, really badly," the parent said. "Glass all over the highchair, very concerned that if we had been feeding him at that time, if we had been in that area, that this could have seriously harmed either one of us or him."
Video recorded by multiple homeowners shows several children, who Raleigh Police say are as young as 7 years old, throwing rocks at a house.
Residents in the neighborhood near Glasscock Street and Addison Place said they have contacted the Raleigh Police Department and councilmember Corey Branch for help. Branch said he is aware of the situation and is working with police and families involved.
"We pray that we have parents that do care. If we do not, if we have parents that seem not to care, we will look at other means within our powers to address the situation," he said.
The entire community is extremely concerned about this situation. And we just want everyone to feel safe.- Raleigh resident
Branch said the goal is to intervene early.
"I want to make sure that we work with these kids to correct what's happening so that we cannot have things grow up into a bigger situation," said Branch.
He added that community organizations have offered support. However, he cannot force the children to take advantage of the support.
"I know the community members over here have offered to assist. I know where these kids live. Organizations have been in there, have offered services. So it's really that hands-on approach and being intentional in trying to address the matter and figure out what's causing the behavior," said Branch.
Residents say they want action before someone gets hurt.
"The entire community is extremely concerned about this situation. And we just want everyone to feel safe," said one of the neighbors.
Branch urged residents not to intervene.
"We don't want anyone to try to take anything into their own hands. Call the police. Let us address. We'll get there as fast as it reasonably possible to address the matter and continue to work," he said.
In a statement, Raleigh police said they are working with on-site management to identify the children involved.
"Some of the juveniles involved are between 7 and 8 years old, and their parents are not cooperating with us during this investigation," the statement said. "As a community-led police department, we will need the assistance and support of parents and community members to bring about change. These incidents remain under investigation."
