SAN DIEGO, Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In a lawsuit filed today, condominium owners represented by attorneys Timothy G. Blood and John W. Davis contend that Southern California energy giant SDG&E failed to secure the entryways it uses to access condominium buildings in San Diego County. 

According to the lawsuit, criminals routinely exploit SDG&E's "keyways" system to gain access to area residences.  Once inside, thieves break into and steal from residents' units and storage areas and damage the common areas.  On at least one occasion, burglars nearly struck a resident with their car while fleeing the scene.  The keys are manufactured only with SDG&E's authorization and SDG&E distributes the keys.  However, according to the complaint, SDG&E does not have a system to track the keys in circulation or prevent unauthorized use or duplication.

Attorney John Davis said: "SDG&E knows that its keyways are used by unauthorized persons to commit crimes" and that "detectives at the San Diego Police Department have confirmed they are aware of numerous break-ins using SDG&E keyways throughout San Diego County."   

"Before filing this lawsuit, we tried to work with SDG&E, urging them to voluntarily improve keyway control and security," said Tim Blood.  According to Blood, SDG&E flatly refused.

For a copy of the complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court, call 619-338-1100.

SOURCE Blood Hurst & O’Reardon, LLP and Law Office of John W. Davis