CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Rusk County residents reporting home break-ins

Rusk County residents reporting home break-ins

By Wilton Johnson

HENDERSON, TX (KYTX)

Although she's lived out in the county for 30 years, Marilyn Gounah doesn't confuse solitude with security.

"I am safe, I do lock my doors everyday, fact is, I have three locks on every door," Gounah said.

She's glad she's cautious especially after hearing that more than a few of her neighbors here on 323 recently reported home break-ins.

"Some suspects we have interviewed they see signs outside that indicate what may be inside. One suspect said if he sees a boat outside it denotes the property owner is a sportsman and there may be guns," explained Rusk County Sheriff's Lieutenant Bryan Cole.

Now you may not be able to hide a boat well, but there are some tips to keep you from becoming a victim. Lieutenant Cole says no matter how remote you are, keep your doors and windows locked. Also don't leave your keys in your car and write down the serial numbers to all your valuables like TV's, stereos and computers. Some homeowners have even used novelties to help catch crooks.

"We've actually solved a case where a game camera took a picture of a suspect," Lt. Cole remarked.

Gounah uses her car alarm to let prowlers know she's onto them.

"If I think I hear somebody around my yard, I can make it start honking and it honks real loud especially at night."