A Tulsa couple was awakened by a thief standing over them with a knife.
Around 1 am, police were called to the gated community of Garden Park near 61st & S. Lewis.
Police said a hooded intruder armed with a knife woke up a couple demanding jewelry. He got away with an iPhone, iPad, jewelry and a wallet.
At Garden Park Condominiums you have to go through security guard and a gate. Police said the guard told them he didn’t knowingly let anyone in who didn’t live in the gated community.
"Really shocking,” said nearby caretaker, Svetlana.
She works for Interim Health Care and takes care of an elderly man who lives in the area of 61
st and Lewis.
There is a ten-foot fence with barbwire around Garden Park so police are stunned to see how a thief could have made his way through the community.
Some of the neighbors who live on the fence line have been hit by thieves.
"They kicked it in,” said Mary Jo.
The week before Thanksgiving she was hit by a burglar who watched her leave to go to a funeral. The thieves pocketed family jewelry, a television and her late husband’s silver coin collection.
"I am glad I wasn't here when it happened and I am glad they didn't hurt my little dog,” said Mary Jo.
Tulsa Police report since October, there have been 53 burglaries and robberies in the area between 53
rd and 65
th and Riverside to Lewis.
One of those break-ins happened while a woman was sleeping and four of the home break-ins happened on Mary Jo’s street.
The map showed she is sandwiched between two recent crime trends.
"Oh no, I never thought about it,” said Mary Jo. "I have no idea what they think. You hear about these things, there is no rhyme or reason why it's done."
That’s why neighbors are locking up and watching closely.
"I got a security system. I should have gotten that years ago but I didn't,” said Mary Jo.
In a community where there are elderly people, caretakers are taking measures to fool a thief.
"Leave something on whether it be a porch light or a television or radio on, music even,” said Svetlana. "God is with me I don't want to seem like I am person that fears but it's good to use common sense.”
Police said the bedroom is one of the first places where a thief will target. They recommend you avoid hiding jewelry, a gun or anything of value in drawers, a bed stand or closet.
Instead, keep it secured in a locked cabinet or safe.
Police said the victims in this morning’s home invasion were not hurt. Police tried to track down the stolen phone using the “Find My
Phone” iPhone feature but the phone was turned off.
Police could not find a sign of forced entry. So far, police do not have any details on a description of the burglar, except that he is wearing a hoodie.
For two weeks, burglary detectives have been running the “Stop” initiative where they are targeting serial burglars. In five days, they arrested 17 burglars. It is being funded through a federal grant.
If you have any information about this crime or any crime call Crime Stoppers at (918) 596-COPS (2677) or text a tip to “CRIMES” (274637) and begin your message with “TIP918” or you can submit a tip online at
www.tipsubmit.com. Remember you never have to give your name and your tip could lead to a cash reward.
