Burglary Victim Talks

Thursday, May 17th 2007, 8:13 pm

By: News On 6

A woman who woke up and found a man in her house is talking about her frightening ordeal. She had several lights on and was asleep in the front room, but none of that deterred the burglar. Kristen says in that moment, you freeze and everything you've learned about self protection flies out the window. News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright reports all she knew is she had to do whatever it took to save her two-year-old son, who was sleeping in another room.

Kristen says the door into her garage only had a doorknob lock, which would've been easy to disable. She's since added a deadbolt. She also improved the deadbolt on the door into the house, plus, she's adding a security system, all to avoid a repeat of her terrifying ordeal.

The man walked past her into the hallway. She realized he was headed to her son's room so she called out.

"I was like, who are you? What are you doing here? He just responded really calm, cool and collected and said â€˜I'm just a thief. I just want moneyâ€™," she said.

She was afraid he'd get angry when he found out she didn't have anything of value, plus, the stranger was still between her and her sleeping son.

"I have a child. Please don't hurt my little boy. He's back there where you're going. Please just leave us alone. Don't hurt us," she said.

The man made her cover her face, then left. Her son slept through it all. Kristen now hopes others will think of safety before it's too late.

First, look at your home's layout and create an exit plan. Plus, look around for available weapons, lamps, even a glass bowl.

Another crime prevention item at your home is a cordless phone, so you can be mobile while calling 911. You should also have one locked room in your house, a bathroom, closet or bedroom, so you can buy yourself a little time.

Kristen clearly did everything right because nobody got hurt, but she is changed.

"I felt violated, felt like you can't be safe in a home with lights on, where are you supposed to feel safe?" she said.

The burglar was white, in his 30's, about five-feet-eight and slender with short hair and no visible tattoos or piercings. He was wearing khaki pants and a navy T-shirt, and this happened at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Anyone with information about him can call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS and is eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

Watch the video: Burglary Victim Opens Up About Her Terrifying Ordeal