HOUSTON, TX – Residents at Life of Brighton Estates, a senior living complex in Houston’s Greenspoint area, are alarmed by a recent surge in vehicle-related crimes.
In the past three months, Houston police have reported five incidents at the complex on Aldine Bender Road, including stolen car parts, multiple vehicle break-ins, and the recent theft of all four tires from a resident’s SUV.
“I’m very upset because my insurance will go up. I live off Social Security… I can’t keep paying higher insurance for a car that somebody steals from me,” said Betty, whose SUV was stripped of all four tires.
“All four tires… I can’t go anywhere now. I can’t even go to the store if I want to.” She added, “Come out better, taking the whole car,” which just goes to show how outrageous and stressful this theft was for her.
For seniors like Ms. Betty, who has lived at the complex for 16 years, the thefts are more than an inconvenience—they threaten their independence and financial stability.
Alissa McCulloch, a concerned daughter whose mother lives at the complex, highlighted ongoing security issues.
“These are senior citizens, they’re on fixed income… Why is there no security? Why are the security cameras not working?” she said. “Cameras need to be working… we need some kind of security, or security footage working.”
McCulloch described witnessing suspicious activity near the complex and expressed frustration with how the incidents have been handled.
“Again, these are senior citizens… What can be done? You call the police—they want to take your statement over the phone. They told the prior lady they weren’t going to come out, to do everything online. Again, you’ve seen it—they’re not computer savvy,” she said.
Other residents have faced similar experiences. Ursula Martin, another victim of car theft at the complex, shared the emotional and financial toll of the crimes.
“This is my second time. When I saw her car this morning, I went back to tears because it reminded me of what had happened to me,” Martin said. “People work hard for their stuff, and then somebody has to come and steal, and you never know who’s watching you. I spent $6,000, and then when you have to put in your insurance, the insurance goes up. That’s not helping me at all—we have to pay for something that I didn’t do.”
Martin described the anxiety of watching over her property and trying to protect her family.
“I don’t feel hopeless, I just feel like it’s time to go. I work too hard, and my mother… anything can happen. Then what?”
Residents are calling on the complex management to take action. McCulloch emphasized the need for functioning security cameras and patrols.
“This is not a good look at all for the apartment complex… what if these people needed their vehicles to actually pay their rent?” she said.
Residents report that areas of the complex lack cameras entirely, and existing ones may not be operational.
Complicating matters, the complex is not heavily patrolled by local police. Some residents reported seeing HPD occasionally, while others noted that the U.S. Marshals or local sheriff’s deputies are the only law enforcement presence.
“I have never seen security around here walking or driving,” McCulloch said.
Life of Brighton Estates management has not responded to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, seniors continue to express they live with uncertainty and fear for their property, mobility, and peace of mind.