Recent home break-ins concern Indy's north side residents - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Hundreds of people on the city's north side are concerned about the recent spike in home break-ins.

It's a concern that's been fueled by the mayor's recent budget announcement that IMPD will not see retiring officers replaced or new recruits next year.

"We just continue to spiral downward and with the Mayor's proposed budget from last night, there are no classes scheduled for 13 or 14, so there's no light at the end of the tunnel," said Fraternal Order of Police President Bill Owensby to a standing room only crowd Tuesday night at a public safety meeting.

Neighbors showed up to the meeting hoping to learn what they could do in their neighborhoods to keep their families safe even with fewer offices on the streets.

"Common sense. It boils down to common sense and doing everything it takes to try to persuade someone not to enter the home," said neighbor Julia Behringer.

One bit advice neighbors heard how appearance can be everything. Police told them keeping porch and garage lights on at night even when they weren't at home could give the appearance that they were.

"You want to make sure that the home looks like it's occupied," said Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Daphne Whitmire who said she talks to neighborhoods about crime prevention.

Some homeowners said they'd already taken steps by changing their habits to lessen the chances of becoming an easy target.

"One thing I didn't think about, I have my garage door opener in my car. Not anymore. Now I carry it in my bag," explained Matt Buehler about his garage door opener.

Calling 911 though if anything seems out of place said neighbors was their first choice.

"Any officer will tell you that they'd rather get a call and check it out and it be nothing versus being a burglar that's maybe been casing the neighborhood," explained Whitmire about encouraging neighbors to call 911.

"With all the recent break ins within the area, I think its better to be safe than sorry," said Behringer.

Some worried though that would cause a strain on resources.

"We also don't want to stretch them too thin because it can be a stressful job," said Buehler.

Neighbors said though there was only so much they could do to look out for one another, before they needed back up from the men and women who fight crime everyday for a living.