Rash Of Burglaries Strike New NW OKC Subdivision

New subdivisions are going up across the metro and they are quickly becoming an easy target for burglars. Now Oklahoma City police are warning homeowners to stay alert.

OKC police say because the neighborhoods are not yet well established, people really don't know their neighbors and there are still a number of contractors driving in and out of the area.

Mark Rankin lives in the new Iron Stone addition on the far northwest side of the city and wasn't surprised his home became a target.

"I know that they target these kinds of neighborhoods out here that are nicer neighborhoods. And with a lot of cars coming and going, people don't know exactly who should be here and shouldn't at the time," said Rankin.  

Before a burglar kicked down his front door two weeks ago, Rankin was already planning to have surveillance cameras installed. But the installation wiring wasn't enough to stop the burglar.

"Neighbors actually saw his car in my driveway and saw the man and didn't even realize he was in my house," said Rankin.

Rankin says neighbors saw the suspect speed away in a tan colored late model Chevy Impala, with a darker colored roof. The suspect even left a clear footprint in Mark's flower bed.

OKC police say the burglaries are happening during the day when people are at work and contractors are out building homes. It makes the thieves look less suspicious.  

"They'll go knock on a door, nobody answers. They'll disappear, go around the back, kick in a back door. They'll kick in a front door," said Capt. Dexter Nelson, OCPD.

That's exactly what the thief did at Rankin's home. In fact, at least three other homes on the same street have been hit.

"What we tell people is to get to know your neighborhood, know the people in your neighborhood so that if you see something unusual, call us, let us check it out," said Nelson.

The thief left Rankin's home with some electronics and a gun. Rankin and his roommate were both at work.