'Don’t Be A Target By Seeking Burglars' Jenks Police Chief Warns

Sand Springs police say a man confronted a group of suspected thieves who were returning his stolen SUV.

While police want you to be able to defend yourself, they said you need to be careful.

12/9/2015 Related Story: Owner Confronts Three Men Returning His Stolen SUV, Sand Springs Police Say

Detectives said burglars are busy this time of year, going after your electronics, vehicles, even Christmas presents; but it's not always smart to fight over property.

Neighbors in a Jenks neighborhood near 91st and Elwood woke up to a commotion outside their front doors.

12/9/2015 Related Story: Burglar Shoots At Jenks Homeowner, Police Say

“Heard three to four more loud bangs, that's when I looked out the front and all the neighbors were outside and the police were here," said neighbor Brian Brane.

Police were called after a group of thieves opened an unlocked car and grabbed the garage door opener.

Officers said one thief waited in the getaway car and two others went inside the garage and were greeted by the homeowner.

"He is fired at first and he takes cover and hits the ground and at that point he returns fire," said Jenks Chief of Police, Cameron Arthur.

Arthur said the homeowner fired multiple shots back.

No one was injured, but the victim easily could have been hurt.

"It's a property crime. We have insurance for those types of things, the ability to replace those things, but we can’t replace your life and injuries can result from it. It’s just not worth it,” Arthur said.

He suggests people don't make themselves a target by seeking out the burglar.

Arthur said, "Absolutely want them to be able to defend themselves, but, I think having a strategic advantage is the key here."

The plan should include a way to get out of the home quietly or a safe place to hide and, of course, a way to call the police for help.

“If they do enter further, at least you have the tactical advantage. You have cover or concealment from a closet, a bed, from something. They are going to have to come toward you and you can defend yourself," Arthur said.

Police said, if you happen to stumble upon a crime in progress, stay back.

If you can, use your cell phone to get pictures of the suspects or their car that you can hand over to police as evidence.