Burglary suspect caught after break-in
A Pocatello resident got a surprise when they came home to an attempted burglary earlier this week. The police found and arrested the would-be burglar Wednesday.
Brandon Lenker, 35, was found inside a house on the 1600 block of Beth Street trying to steal property. After the person who found Lenker in the home confronted him, Lanker took off, police said.
A call was made to the police Tuesday around 9:15 p.m. and was later cancelled. On Wednesday morning, the call was reactivated. Officers caught up with Lenker around 3:30 p.m. and arrested him with a burglary charge near Carson Street and Day Street.
Dennis Huff, owner of LDA Security, has been working in security for the past 32 years. He’s heard his fair share of break-in horror stories, mostly starting with an open or unlocked door.
“I hear that all the time,” Huff said. “Somebody broke in and the garage door was open. (They) walk in the house, take the purse off the counter and walk out.”
To prevent burglars from targeting homes, Huff recommends four things. First, install a deadbolt lock on your doors. He said they are harder to break into, and the sight of one deters people from even trying.
Exterior lights, especially motion lights, and perimeter cameras also are recommended.
For homeowners with an alarm system, he recommends they get into a habit of arming and disarming it when they leave and come back home.
In the event a resident does come home and someone’s there, the police stress personal safety is the main priority.
“If you walked into your home and there’s someone in there that doesn’t belong, get back out of your home and insure your personal safety,” said Capt. Steve Stone, Pocatello Police Department support services. “Then notify 911 as quickly as you can.”
Huff admits the added security could come at a pricey amount, but it isn’t worth what could be lost.
“I can’t tell you how many times people have told me over the years, ‘Oh, I just lost $10,000 worth of piping,’ or’ I just lost my car,'” he said.
Huff said more modern alarm systems are often equipped with smartphone app capabilities. Using a safe is another tool not only to protect your things from burglary, but fires as well.
