Teenagers have caused extensive damage to vacant homes across San Diego County over the past year, according to local law enforcement and affected property owners. Since August 2025, multiple unoccupied houses have been burglarized and turned into sites for unauthorized gatherings that often result in costly destruction.

Homeowners have reported damages amounting to thousands of dollars, including broken smoke detectors, large holes in walls, and fire-related marks from the use of fireworks. Vanessa Munoz, a local realtor, described discovering significant damage to one of her properties after an unauthorised party. She noted, “They actually lit off fireworks … there were burn marks on the walls and a human-sized hole in the wall. Like someone got thrown into the wall.” Munoz expressed surprise as she was unaware of the event until the following morning.

San Diego police have identified between 15 and 20 such illegal parties at vacant houses in the region over the last twelve months. Authorities have not detailed the steps being taken to address the issue but acknowledged the repeated violations involving trespassing, vandalism, and property damage.

The incidents highlight ongoing challenges property owners face in securing empty homes amid rising concerns about youth gatherings and misconduct. Community members and officials continue to seek solutions to deter these unauthorized events while preserving neighborhood safety and property integrity.