SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Days before Christmas, tenants at one apartment complex in San Francisco are accusing members of their property management staff of breaking into their home and stealing Christmas gifts.
“They took over $2000 in Christmas items. They took advent calendars, built bear kits, they took gifts and presents that were purchased for friends and family members,” said Aveda Hussain, Caregiver.
Still shaken by this, the tenant’s caregiver spoke on his behalf. Saying the people who broke-in worked for the property management company that runs the complex. In the video, a man can be seen trying to remove the camera and another person placing an item to block it.
Minutes later, several people walked out with multiple items in hand.
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“It’s a violation of privacy. Second of all, with Mr. Lee being physically handicapped and suffering mental health illnesses, it made him fearful,” said Hussain.
Domus Management Company, which runs the 98 subsidized housing units at Thomas Paine Square in the Fillmore, confirmed the people on the video were their employees. The tenants’ association treasurer said this is not the first incident.
Luz Pena: “As part of the association, what are some of the reports you are getting?”
“The ones we are getting is that he is coming into people’s houses, stealing stuff and the rent is going up and going down,” said Barbara Carthen, Treasurer of the Tenant Association.
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Patrick Cochran is a tenant organizer who has been helping these tenants.
“Sad just to see the spirit of Christmas just kind of robbed. It was, like it was the Grinch,” said Cochran.
He added, “just the breaking of public trust, and the fact that this wasn’t your typical robbery. These were the people that are hired to help, maintain the building and they are breaking into your place. That’s a huge violation of trust. I would also say that for the management company and ownership, changing every lock at that building is essential.”
In a statement, the San Francisco Police Department confirmed an officer took a report and added in part:
“At this time, no arrest has been made for this open and active investigation.”
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On the phone, the president of Domus Management said the people involved were terminated and key access to these units was revoked, but tenants say they want more accountability.
“Put them to do a drug test on the people they are hiring and make them do a background check…. Make sure they are bonded and make sure they are not going to steal our stuff. That is, it,” said Carthen.
Domus Management Company:
On the phone, Cathy M. Metcalf, President of Domus Management Company said the items that were taken “were not Christmas gifts.” Metcalf said the tenant whose home was burglarized is not the main person on the lease. “The unit was rented by a family member who is no longer in the property. They are considered squatters.” Hussain said the tenant she is a caregiver for is legally allowed to live on the property. SFPD Full statement: “On 12/13/25 at approximately 8:47 am officers responded to the 1000 block of Golden Gate Ave. regarding a report of a burglary. Officers arrived on scene and met with the victim who reported that their residence was burglarized on 12/11/25. The victim stated that based on surveillance footage they recognized some of the suspects who entered their residence and stole items from inside. At this time no arrest has been made for this open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.”
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