Thieves target garages in the Heights

HOUSTON – A homeowner in the Heights used a broom and some bad language to scare off a would-be criminal who got into her garage.

"The garage door was open, maybe, 30 seconds," said Lisa, who asked not to use her last name.

She turned her back and saw the strange man, Lisa believes he was there to steal from her.

"I turn around and there is a 6-foot, 2-inch guy standing there and it scared me."

Lisa lives in the Heights near W. 20th.

Not too far away on Droxford Street a family had their garage broken into and a lot of tools stolen.

"If you have yard equipment or tools, those are easily pawned," said Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen.

Rosen said there is a lock on the inside of most garage doors.

He recommends using it for added protection, especially at night when you and your family are inside sleeping.

Most criminals can get into your home once they make entry into your garage that's why Rosen also recommends locking the door into your house.

Lisa has this advice for her friends and neighbors.

"When you pull in shut your garage door immediately. We have to be careful."