SAN ANTONIO – Neighbors on Bent Branch Road on the Northwest Side say someone has been working their way down their street for months — checking car door handles, rummaging through unlocked vehicles and, in at least one case, driving off with an entire truck.
At least seven residents said their cars were targeted. Surveillance cameras captured the suspects in the act multiple times. City crime data shows the problem is bigger than just one street.
Jamey Burnett, who lives on Bent Branch Road, said the pattern has become all too familiar.
“It’s been going on, I would say, six, eight months,” Burnett said. “Some kids come through; they rifle all the doors. If you leave it unlocked, they get in and rifle through there, looking for cash. I’d say CDs, but nobody listens to CDs anymore.”
Burnett said he suspects teenagers are behind the break-ins and the activity tends to cycle through the neighborhood every few years. He said he has since added more security cameras pointed directly at his vehicles.
Truck stolen in broad daylight
For neighbor Frank Manicola, the situation escalated beyond a break-in. About three weeks ago, his F-250 King Ranch was stolen straight from his driveway — in the middle of the day.
“Three weeks ago, right out of the driveway during the daytime,” Manicola said. “The guy just came up, ripped the lock off, got the computer and drove off.”
Manicola said he was on a cruise when the theft happened and had to wait nearly a week before he could get home and hand over surveillance footage to the San Antonio Police Department. He described the insurance process that followed as “a nightmare.”
He said he believes more police patrols in residential streets could help deter future break-ins.
“You never see SAPD patrol in the actual streets around the neighborhoods,” Manicola said.
As for whoever is still checking door handles at night, Manicola had a warning.
“He’s gonna get what’s due to him pretty soon,” he said. “Cause somebody’s going to catch him.”
The numbers tell a bigger story
A KSAT review of San Antonio’s open crime data shows 53 motor vehicle theft and stolen property offenses were recorded in ZIP code 78250 — which covers the Bent Branch Road area — between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2026. The data shows a notable spike in offenses during the summer months.
Citywide, that number climbs to 999 reported offenses in the same category over the same seven-month period. The Prue service area, which includes this neighborhood, ranked second highest in the city for these types of crimes — trailing only the West Side.
Burnett said he has noticed more police presence on the street in recent weeks and hopes it continues.
“I have seen an increase in police activity over the past six weeks,” Burnett said. “I’ve seen more around here, so they are patrolling a little bit more.”
How to protect your vehicle
San Antonio police and security experts recommend the following steps to reduce the risk of car break-ins:
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Always lock your doors, even in your own driveway
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Never leave valuables — cash, bags or electronics — visible inside your vehicle
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Point at least one security camera directly at your parked cars
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Consider a steering wheel lock or GPS tracker for added protection
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Report suspicious activity to SAPD immediately by calling 210-207-7273
SAPD confirmed it is aware of activity in the area. KSAT has reached out for additional comment on any active investigations and will update this story when more information is available.
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