HOUSTON -- A northwest Harris County homeowner shot someone trying to break into his rental property, officials told KPRC Local 2 Sunday.

Investigators said the homeowner, who was not identified, caught the burglar inside the vacant home in the 7900 block of Shady Grove in the Woodland Oaks subdivision at about 10 a.m. and opened fire.

The homeowner shot the suspect in the neck and helped him until paramedics arrived and transported him to Ben Taub Hospital.

Officials said they believe the suspect may have been after some building materials left over from a recent renovation.

The homeowner spotted a suspicious car in the driveway, went inside the home to check it out and found the man, deputies said.

Nearby residents said crime has been increasing in the area.

"You hear shots and cars will get stolen, stuff like that," Chris Morales said. "It seems like it's picking up. Everybody's worried, but just keep a gun next to your bed or whatever."

Residents said crime started to spike in the area in August.

"One gentleman, his house was broken into three times in one week," one resident said.

One neighbor said the increase in crime cemented her decision to move out. She had her boxes packed and dog in the car.

"Trash in the streets and overgrown fields and yards and a lot of rent houses coming in," Kathy Skirvanek said. "It just doesn't feel too safe anymore."

Skirvanek lived in the neighborhood for four years and her last look at the neighborhood was of a crime scene.

"I think good for the homeowner to shoot somebody burglarizing his home, but it's sad that the home was burglarized to begin with."

Residents said they think the increase in crime is because of a large number of boxes and other items being left outside homes that were under renovation. Many of the homes recently flooded.

No charges have been filed against the property owner.