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Burglars Find New Way To Target Homes

COTTONTOWN, Tenn. - Police said burglars in Sumner County have found a new way to target homes.

These thieves are knocking on doors and if no one answers, they're breaking in.

One victim's home was hit Monday.

Thieves tried to break into Charlie Choate's home just after midnight Monday morning.

"The daughter screamed and somebody ran by the back window back there and it was a scary deal," he said.

The attempted burglary is just the latest of several in Sumner County. The burglaries are happening mostly in smaller communities such as Cottontown and Bethpage.

Sheriff's detectives said they've averaged two to three break-ins a day for the past week or so.

The thieves are making off with televisions, PlayStation gaming units as well as firearms.

Investigators believe one or two groups of burglars are responsible for most of the attacks.

The thieves didn't get anything from Choate's home. He said they're lucky they didn't try.

"Oh, we got protection. They don't wanna come in this night at night," he said.

That's exactly why investigators believe the burglars are targeting homes during the day... knocking on doors then breaking in to houses where no one's home such as Bonita Baker's neighbor on the day before Thanksgiving.

"A police officer come into the door and said it had been broke into, but I was here and I didn't hear anything," she said.

Detectives said if someone is home, the would-be burglars simply ask for directions or pretend they've knocked on the wrong door.

"I've had nobody do that, but yeah that's sneaky," Baker said.

By using such tactics and targeting smaller, quieter neighborhoods, the thieves have avoided capture.

 Residents hope it's just a matter of time before that changes.

"They need to be caught. They really need to be caught," Baker said.

Police said there's usually an increase in crime during this time of year.

In this case, they're asking for the community for help.  

If someone has knocked on your door recently and asked for directions or they were looking for someone who doesn't live at your home, call the Sumner County Sheriff's Office.

They're hoping people can give decent descriptions that could help them catch these burglars -- before they strike again. 

Investigators suspect the same burglars may also be hitting homes in Robertson County. The sheriff's office said they have noticed an increase in break-ins.