THE WOODLANDS, Texas – A string of break-ins in The Woodlands has officials and residents on edge.
Investigators said crooks have targeted homes in the Panther Creek, Wedgewood Estates, Forest, West Isle, Windward Cove, Herald Oaks and Hidden Lake areas.
"I'm concerned because it's during the day," said Stacy Detiveaux, a homeowner in the area.
Detiveaux said she received an urgent voice mail from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department warning residents of the Panther Creek subdivision in The Woodlands about a rash of home break-ins.
"People ride around and I see them looking at the houses to see who is home and who's not. I need to make sure I set my alarm every time I leave. I've been kind of lax," Detiveaux said.
Deputies said the break-ins are taking place in the day, and the burglars are forcing their way inside homes and going after expensive electronics and jewelry.
Suzy Mauritz and her neighbors said the break-ins have them feeling vulnerable in their own homes, especially because crooks are operating in the daytime, when there's a chance someone will be at home.
"We think we're in a safe area and expect nothing more than to be safe in the area," Mauritz said.
Investigators said they don't have descriptions of the burglars.
Many of the homes in The Woodlands are surrounded by trees. The warnings sent to residents told them to be alert, look out for their neighbors and report anything suspicious.