TRURO - Chris Hillman is fed up with break-ins at his Truro apartment building.
"Enough is enough," he said Thursday. "Any criminal activity in and around this building will not be tolerated."
Hillman said the brand new building at 9 Braemar Ct. has been broken into seven times in the past few months. The 48-unit building has only been operating for about a year.
The breaking point for Hillman came earlier this week. A young couple with a young child was asleep Tuesday night when someone broke into their home and stole items, including electronics.
"It's getting ridiculous," Hillman said.
The 55-year-old man wonders what will take place if that same scenario happens again and the tenants wake up.
"Somebody is going to get killed," Hillman said.
His apartment was broken into two months ago while he was visiting his father. They stole a few items and $578 in cash after throwing rocks through his back window. Hillman said people have been seen in the back of the building "casing the joint" and he said it is time for action.
"Obviously, they know what they're doing," he said of the criminals. "They're hitting this place over and over and over again."
Hillman is not alone with his concerns. He said numerous people have moved out in the short time the building has been open.
That is not an option for Hillman who is on subsidized housing and said there are few other alternatives available.
Rob Denton likes the building but is also concerned about the residents' wellbeing.
"I don't feel safe in my own building," he said.
"As tenants we take pride in where we live but we can't take anymore."
He said he likes to mind his own business, but knows if he's not part of the solution he's part of the problem. That is why the two men are speaking out about the situation.
"People shouldn't have to walk on eggshells and live in fear," Hillman said.
He knows by speaking publicly about the situation he could be open to repercussions.
"I realize that," he said, but he wants the issues to be addressed once and for all. "It's getting pretty damn bad."
He did meet with the new superintendent on Thursday and is hoping to work with him to try to correct some of the issues. He also hopes the police can catch and prosecute the responsible criminals.
jmalloy@trurodaily.com
I think that the owner of the apartment buildings should get some kind of security cameras and alarms for each apartment. One of the smaller alarm companies would give them a good deal.