An overnight crime spree turned the holiday weekend upside down for dozens of families at Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca, where 48 vehicles parked outside the resort had their windows smashed early Thanksgiving morning. Guests woke up to piles of broken glass, missing electronics and personal items, and the unsettling news that at least one firearm was taken during the break-ins.
Police responded around 7:30 a.m.
According to KCRA 3, Manteca police were called to the Daniels Street resort around 7:30 a.m. Thursday. Officers arrived to find 48 vehicles with smashed windows scattered across the parking lot. Investigators told the outlet they believe someone jumped a gated entrance to get into the lot, and crime-scene teams were brought in to search for fingerprints and other evidence.
Items reported stolen
Investigators told CBS Sacramento that thieves made off with electronics, toiletry items, and financial documents, and confirmed that a firearm was among the items reported missing. Police also noted that the resort’s parking is ticketed and that the property has on-site security.
Resort says it’s cooperating
Great Wolf Lodge released a statement, quoted by KCRA 3, saying, “Safety is always our primary focus,” and emphasizing that the company uses gates, video surveillance, and routine patrols on the property. The lodge said it is working closely with law enforcement and assisting guests whose vehicles were vandalized.
Detectives have not yet received the resort’s surveillance footage. CBS Sacramento reports the lodge told police it wants to compile video before turning it over to investigators. Authorities said there is no ongoing public threat, but they are urging anyone who noticed suspicious activity early Thursday to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Manteca Police Department. The department lists its non-emergency line as (209) 456-8100 on the city website. Manteca Police said a detective will be assigned to follow up as officers track stolen electronics and pursue additional leads.
For holiday travelers, police are offering a familiar reminder: keep valuables out of sight or in hotel safes, lock vehicles, and report suspicious behavior immediately.
