HOUSTON – Over the past 10 days, homeowners in the Oak Forest neighborhood say there has been a dramatic uptick in home break-ins.
Resident Haley Foley was forced to install a new front door after burglars kicked in her door on Tuesday and rummaged through her house looking for things to steal. Foley said she has lost all sense of security in her home.
A few blocks away, thieves smashed their way through two large French doors at Emily Poole's home. They stole most of her jewelry, a high-end handbag and an iPad. Now Emily is too frightened to even return to her home.
Burglaries have also occurred in the 100 block of Martin Road, the 4900 block of Apollo, the 1200 block of Candlelight Lane and the 4700 block of W. 43rd Street.
All of these break-ins combined with Houston's crime rate in general have taught resident Jose Orduna, 54, to take his personal security very seriously. Not only does he have a .40-caliber semi-automatic at his side, he has a conceal and carry license as well as a burglar alarm system to protect his Oak Forest home.
The private security company that patrols the area said they are increasing patrols between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the most break-ins happen.