Residents report three burglaries near Ponte Alba apartments and call for city inspections

Several Bellaire residents told the city council on May 5 that they had experienced or witnessed a string of residential burglaries near the Ponte Alba apartments and urged the city to inspect the complex and enforce housing and safety codes.

What residents said Sherry Noblet, who organized a neighborhood meeting after the incidents, told council “a home burglary is very traumatizing” and that three break-ins occurred within an 11‑day span in a small area that includes Mulberry Lane and adjoining blocks. Several victims and neighbors described similar burglary patterns: glass broken or doors forced, intruders rifling through bedrooms and closets, and property taken. One account supplied in writing by John and Edi Stevanova described a rear-mudroom window and a divided light door kicked in and said the rapid police response likely prevented further loss.

Speakers and evidence presented Residents described a set of chronic property problems at the Ponte Alba complex: collapsed or missing fencing and holes in fences, overflowing dumpsters and debris, rusted railings, temporary chilled-water units for HVAC, and unsecured easements at the rear of the complex that they said allow easy, unobserved access. Some neighbors said they have seen unfamiliar people loitering on lawns and peering through fences; others reported property-paraphernalia in yards. Several residents said they had cameras or photo evidence and…