Burglars are breaking into some south College Station homes, using an unusual method, and sometimes while someone is home.

It's a disturbing method of operation that seems to be happening more often.
News 3 has been investigating the circumstances surrounding these crimes and we talk to residents living in these College Station neighborhoods.

The goal never changes...always be one step ahead.
It's a game plan the residents of Castlegate, in College Station, know all too well.

"We never heard of any burglaries, or any problems, we always leave our kids outside, they play," said Ulku Balog.

She and her family moved to the neighborhood two years ago.

"My family. My two kids and my husband, we're all here," Balog added. "It's a nice neighborhood, it's family friendly and...because of the safety...those are reasons why we picked this place."

12 break-ins and burglaries have happened since August.
It's the same fancy footwork and that's why CSPD officers are investigating who's behind the recent crimes.

Balog said, "It's not good. We are not happy and it's scary."

It's hit or miss which door they knock on, but while you're being distracted up front, in the middle of the day, thieves are breaking in from the side and back of homes, stealing clothes, perfume and jewelry.

"Definitely, I will not let my child play in the front, that's for sure, which is a shame because we have a very nice cul-de-sac with a lot of neighbors, but...That's at least one thing I will do," Balog said.

Residents say they're "putting away" their fear and "attacking the net" to aggressively search for suspicious activity.

Many people living in south College Station are saying they're seeing a black Chevrolet truck, trolling through neighborhoods, but CSPD wants residents to remember criminals can commit crimes in any kind of vehicle, so keep a lookout for any behavior that seems out of the norm and make sure to report it to police.

The Castlegate Homeowner's Association sent an email to residents warning them of the recent break-ins.
In it, it says "...the burglars method of entering these homes has been cutting the glass window in the master bathroom."