Carmichael Neighborhood Frustrated By Property Crimes

CARMICHAEL (CBS13) — Frustration is building in Carmichael over property crime in one neighborhood.

It seems peaceful and quiet during the day on Rampart Street, but as the day goes on, residents say otherwise.

Moneca Chicogni is a newcomer to the neighborhood, and already has been a victim of several property crimes. She says the unfamiliar faces walking past the home, who she thinks are homeless, are to blame.

Her car window was broken into and in November, the driver's window of her Ford Focus was shot out.

"We don't have a lot, and we work hard for what we have," she said.

Chicogni is not alone. Anthony Rodigo has lived on the same street for almost 30 years and last month both of his cars were shot at.

"Twenty-nine years ago, this was the best neighborhood to live in. Now you worry all the time," he said.

Capt. Kris Palmer says prison realignment and Proposition 47—an initiative that reduces certain felons down to misdemeanors—could be to blame, but says there's no evidence showing the homeless are responsible for these crimes.

Palmer says homelessness is still an issue around the county, and deputies are doing what they can to help them get back on their feet.

"We have [problem oriented policing] team officers who are working with outreach groups to help the homeless with housing and food," he said.

Either way, Rodigo says he's fed up with crime in his neighborhood, and is looking for a way out.

"I have to protect my family, my wife, so I have to do what I have to do," he said.