Homeowners at a southwest Lubbock neighborhood woke up to an unpleasant and shocking surprise when they checked their surveillance cameras early Wednesday morning.
A man was walking around their home, armed with a gun, and checking their car doors. At one point in the surveillance footage, the suspect points the gun directly at the camera; a laser pointer seems to be attached to the bottom of the barrel.
Nothing was taken, and no injuries were reported, and while the footage was initially shocking and disturbing, the homeowners say they feel confident in their safety thanks to their surveillance cameras as well as one app in particular, the Nextdoor app, which helps monitor crime within your neighborhood, beneficial to both homeowners and Lubbock Police as well.
“We think it’s a great idea, if the Nextdoor app – if somebody in the neighborhood reports something to the Nextdoor app in their neighborhood, we’re going to be aware of it and get there a little faster,” said Lt. Ray Mendoza, with the Lubbock Police Department.
Another community safety/homeowner security app, Lt. Mendoza suggests that is worth downloading is the “RaidsOnline” app.
However, for those who do not have surveillance cameras, a security system, or any of these apps, Lt. Mendoza says above everything else, it’s extremely important for every family to have a backup plan in the event of a break-in.
“Make plans, go through those plans in your head. ‘What would you do if this was going on?’ If someone was breaking down your door, for example, how would you respond?” Mendoza said. “Develop something so where you feel comfortable that if something happens, it’s almost like second nature for you to run out the back door or have a hiding place.”