Moraga police investigating rash of car break-ins

MORAGA, Calif. (KGO) -- Thieves are targeting cars in the normally safe, quiet enclave of Moraga, entering vehicles and stealing anything of value. This rash of thefts began Wednesday and continued early Sunday morning.

None of the vehicles have visible damage, no broken windows for instance, so Moraga police believe the victims left their car doors unlocked, but some people aren't buying that.

"When I got closer I noticed that all the contents of the glove compartment were on the front seat. So I knew we had been broken into," said Jane, Moraga resident.

Jane is one of dozens of Moraga residents who woke up to find their cars broken into. Except, there've been no signs that anyone broke their way in, which is why Moraga police believe the items that have been stolen out of people's cars, everything from laptops to sunglasses, are the result of owners not locking their vehicles.

"So you left it unlocked?" asked ABC7's Lilian Kim

"Yeah, the car was unlocked," said Danny Maco, Moraga resident.

"You always leave it unlocked?" asked Kim.

"Not anymore," said Maco.

Danny Maco's garage door opener was stolen from inside his SUV. In fact, he woke up to find the garage door open that same morning. Nothing was taken from the garage. He assumes the thieves ran out of time. But the same people are believed to have come back the next day to steal Jane's car, and she is certain it was locked.

"We all made a big point in saying okay let's make sure it's locked. So we know that it was locked, and so therefore I believe it was locked the night before as well," said Jane.

Which leads some Moraga residents to believe this is a sophisticated, professional operation -- and no one appears to be immune. Even Sanders Ranch, a gated community, was targeted early Sunday morning.

"I don't think it was casual kids messing around because to have so many cars hit at once it sounds like a coordinated effort," said Maco.

Moraga police say they are following up on some leads and are reviewing security video. They say residents, meanwhile, should be on the lookout.