Terre Haute sees string of break-ins

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A surveillance camera didn't stop an intruder from fishing around ISU's Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity House.

At last check, he hadn't been arrested.

Since police released this video, News 10 learned of several home break-ins in Terre Haute in the same area.

The same night the man walked through the frat house, Nikkole McKinley-Barrett got a surprise at hers.

"All of a sudden, there was a flash and a bang and I came downstairs," McKinley-Barrett said.

At first, she wasn't concerned.

"I got about to the dining room, and it was a big rush of cold air and I realized that something was off," she said.

She found her door wide open.

The burglar slashed the screen and took a crow bar to the lock, but wasn't quick enough to make it in.

By the time Nikkole got there, the intruder was gone.

This incident has changed her, installing several security measures.

"We've already got a new door put in that has better locks on it. We have a security light now, so we're definitely more mindful of locking up."

Shield Fire and Security in Terre Haute said it's stories like Nikkole's that make people think about upping home security.

"You always want to have protection in your home, you want to feel safe in there and if you ever are burglarized or have been a victim of that, it's hard to get that sense of security back. So, I would encourage people to be more proactive then reactive," Shield Fire and Security Owner Troy Clark said.

Clark said an up-tick in crime, means an up-tick in business.

Even so, Nikkole said you never can get too comfortable.

"I know sometimes I accidentally go to bed and don't lock the front door or something like that, not now, so just extra careful no matter where you live or how safe you think it is."