Crooks kicking in doors in North Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Constables are warning people who live in some North Austin neighborhoods about burglars posing as contractors or lawn workers in order to break into homes.

"When no one is looking they'll come to the door, knock on the door and if no one answers they'll kick in the door, go in there and smash and grab whatever they're able to, and leave right quick," said Travis County Precinct 2 Constable Adan Ballesteros. "They're doing this in broad daylight. It doesn't concern them. It's just real quick."

Ballesteros said the criminals use lawn equipment or other items to look like workers or contractors so they do not appear suspicious. He said they are targeting homes in the North Austin Coalition of Neighborhoods, like the Gracywoods and Walnut Creek subdivisions. Investigators believe there are several people involved in this crime ring.

"They have their own network," said Ballesteros. "They know this might work, this might not work and see what they can get away with."

One suspect has been arrested but Ballesteros believes there are others. He said he is disturbed about why criminals are targeting some of these areas.

"Some of these are elderly people and they feel that they're there alone and more than likely won't have any resistance," Ballesteros said.

Investigators are concerned the burglars are becoming more bold. Recently, a woman was home when burglars kicked in her door. Many people in these neighbors are installing security systems and burglar bars.

"Anytime you make anything harder they just move on, and that's what we want to happen -- just have them move on," said Ballesteros.

Constables encourage people to watch out for their neighbors and tell one another when they plan on having legitimate workers at their home.