Burglars targeting homes in Harter Heights neighborhood

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The area known as Harter Heights near Notre Dame is home to many professors and young families. There have been several break-ins in the neighborhood lately.



The last break-in happened Monday on Pokagon Street.



The homeowner came home Monday to a cracked door frame, ripped blinds, and a security system dangling by a wire.



She didn't want to go on camera, but said she first noticed that her outside lights had been unscrewed before someone tried to pry open her side door.



Hers is just one house on a long list of break-ins lately.



Burglars also hit Jordan Weninger's home on Pokagon not too long ago.



"So my husband had come home by himself. He unlocked the door realizing 'Oh did we leave the door unlocked?' Because it was pretty easy for him to put the key in and open and when he walked in he noticed it was kind of cold in here," said Weninger.



The burglars got in through the windows.



Before leaving the suspects made off with two TVs, an iPad, and their child's piggy bank.



"He had a piggy bank, they stole from him, so I think that took my sense of security away the most," said Weninger.



The homeowners want to share a few tips:



Install a security system. Even if it doesn't automatically call police, it often scares off the suspects.



Use sensor or automatic lighting since criminals target dark homes.