Burglaries have Johnson Co. homeowners on alert - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Burglars are going door-to-door in Johnson County, trying to catch homeowners off-guard. Two homes have been hit and police believe the suspects may be connected to a third break-in.

When opportunity knocks, it could be an opportunity for a burglar. The knock may be someone hoping you don't answer the door.

"Looks like they used a crowbar," said Julie, a homeowner who was victimized by burglars.

Two homes were hit Monday in neighboring subdivisions off Smith Valley Road in Johnson County. Not far from Julie's home, they hit another house.

"This whole frame got broken out. Crowbar in here," said Michael, the owner of the second home burglarized.

Police say the burglars may have put the victim's houses under a different kind of surveillance. Around the time of the break-ins, one man was knocking on doors, offering to cut lawns. One neighbor told police about the man. If no one answered the door, they may have made that house their target.

"Thoroughly went through the jewelry, that is what they were hitting. They looked at coins, left everything behind," Michael said. "Were in every room. Every room had drawers open."

He says even his young son's room was searched.

"That was more upsetting to me than the jewelry being stolen," he said.

Michael had a smartphone app warning him his garage door opened while he was away. He figured it was a glitch.

"They came in the front door and pulled the car into the garage. Probably closed the garage door while they were here and then rolled out the garage when they left," Michael said.

Jewelry was targeted at Julie's house, too.

"Sentimental stuff. Several grandmother's engagement rings, from my mother's grandmother who passed away. She left several pieces to my girls, 'cause they were their birthstones," she said.

At Michael's, the burglars didn't even care if he had dogs. Now, he has door repairs.

"If someone wants into a place, unfortunately, they're going to be able to get in it," he said.

A break-in Tuesday in nearby Bargersville may be similar to the two along Smith Valley Road.

Johnson County Sheriff Doug Cox warns homeowners to report suspicious people in the neighborhood. Police also suggest making it appear that someone is in the house, so burglars may be less likely to try something. If someone knocks, he suggests letting the visitor know you're home, though you don't have to answer the door. Many will walk away because they don't want a confrontation with a homeowner.