Homeowner's Sign "Our Home Was Robbed" Puts Neighbors On Alert

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A Sacramento homeowner is making sure his bad news travels fast by putting a large sign in his yard telling his sad story. A move he hopes will actually help his neighbors.

After Paul Kreutz's Land Park home was broken into he made a big, bright sign saying "Our Home Was Robbed - Be Aware" and put it in his yard. While his home was actually burglarized, the sign is clear.

"I really think it has brought a certain amount of awareness," Kreutz said. "I didn't realize how much attention it was going to get."

His home was targeted at night with the lights on inside. He says the thieves took a front loading washer and dryer, and some tools totaling about $2,000. He says several houses nearby have also been hit, some even in broad daylight.

"It's kind of scary. It's going on in broad daylight and when people aren't home. Someone I think has been casing the area to know when to go in there," said Kreutz. "The best thing that I think people can do is report, big or small, report it so police can see if there's a pattern in a neighborhood."

Kreutz hopes the sign continues to deliver a big message and serves as a reminder to his neighbors to be on alert and take action if more crime comes into the neighborhood.

Some of his neighbors agree.

"I think its probably a good thing. You now get people's attention and getting awareness up," said neighbor Dan Wattenburger.

Crimes like the break in at Kreutz's home have to be reported in person or online.

The Sacramento Police Department says it no longer has resources to send an officer for burglaries.

However, if you are a witness to a crime, you should call 911.