“They started up the road and were breaking into the vehicles like a trick or treat fest for them, and going through everybody’s belongings.”
SAN ANTONIO — A group of suspected thieves were caught on surveillance video breaking into vehicles in a northwest-side neighborhood before crashing into a parked truck and fleeing the scene on New Year’s Day around 4:30 a.m., according to a local family.
Sabrina Pargas, who lives in the Northwest Crossing neighborhood, said she and her family woke up Jan. 1 to find plastic debris scattered in their driveway and damage to the front of their truck.
After checking their home security cameras, they realized a vehicle had struck their truck, hit a trash can and sped away.
“At first, we thought it was just an isolated incident from a New Year’s Eve party,” Pargas said. “But when we posted the video, we saw neighbors had experienced the same thing.”
Videos shared on the Ring app showed a group moving through the neighborhood and breaking into multiple vehicles, Pargas said. She described the activity as quick and methodical, with suspects rummaging through cars before moving on.
In one of the videos, someone riding a bicycle appeared to startle the group, causing the suspects to speed away, jump a curb and crash into the Pargas family’s truck, she said.
Pargas, who did not want her face shown on camera, said the incident is part of a pattern. In June 2025, she said, the taillights were stolen from their vehicle.
She believes the neighborhood’s demographics may make it a target.
“The neighborhood is full of retirees and elderly couples,” Pargas said. “I feel like it’s a known weak spot because they know the security is going to be lower.”
Pargas said she worries the incidents could escalate and that someone could be seriously hurt. She also worries the curb or trash can could have been someone going for a walk in the early morning hours.
She said she decided to speak out to raise awareness and encourage neighbors to take precautions, such as upgrading security cameras and staying alert.
The video has gained traction on TikTok, she said, resonating with viewers concerned about the cost of vehicle repairs and theft during financially difficult times.
While the family has not yet decided whether to press charges, Pargas said her goal is prevention rather than punishment.
“They were young, we are not sure if we want to press charges or not” she said. “They need a job more than jail. I just don’t want this to keep happening.”
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact San Antonio Police.