An Oakland couple returned from vacation to find their home overrun by strangers who used drugs, had sex, and stole their car after hijacking their home-sharing account
Oakland Couple Faces Aftermath of Home Invasion
An Oakland couple spent two days cleaning after strangers hijacked their home-sharing account. The intruders used their property for drugs and sex, and one even stole their car.
Details of the Incident
The couple, Eric and Jenny, reported their frustrations on Friday. Their home in Oakland’s Leona Heights neighborhood was compromised through the HomExchange rental platform.
While on their 21st anniversary vacation in Lake Tahoe, they discovered that strangers had taken over their home. Their doorbell camera captured many people coming and going.
Living Conditions During Invasion
“There were so many people coming and going,” Jenny said. “About nine people came and went.” The trespassers left dirty dishes in the sink and stayed for 36 hours.
The couple rushed home to clean after their cleaner reported the situation. They were upset, feeling taken advantage of by someone who claimed to need their home for a sick relative.
Impact on the Couple
“We haven’t slept for two days,” Eric said. One intruder stole their Mini Cooper. They also suspect the intruders brought women over for sex.
“These people are on the lowest level of the overall crime ring that came into our house,” Jenny said.
Additional Disturbances
One man brought a dog and fed it with the couple’s dog food. “They washed their dog in our tub, using one of our brushes, which is now full of dog hair,” Jenny said.
Response from the Couple
Eric expressed the difficulty of maintaining a home, stating, “We work hard, we’re teachers, we contribute to our community.” Jenny added, “I just get through it by being grateful and recognizing that we have a beautiful house, we have each other.”
Company’s Response
HomeExchange has promised to cover the couple’s expenses, including locksmith fees. The company did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.
“I hope they take this as a wake-up call and do the right thing,” Jenny said.
Investigation Status
Oakland police are investigating the incident as a burglary, fraud, and grand theft auto.
Summary of Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Invasion | Strangers hijacked home-sharing account |
| Duration | 36 hours |
| Number of Intruders | About 9 |
| Stolen Vehicle | Mini Cooper |
| Company Response | Promised to cover expenses |
| Police Investigation | Burglary, fraud, grand theft auto |
