New warning after man robbed family during daytime

SPRING, TX (KTRK) -- A man is in custody, authorities say, after walking in the front door of a home in Spring and robbing the place while the family was home.

"In this case we know one of the kids went in the house, and did not lock the door behind them," said Precinct 4 Constable, Mark Herman.

He says residents sometimes have a false sense of security during the day in the suburbs. Nearby resident, Kelli Canny says she'd love to let down her guard, but knows she can't.

"With young kids, you just have to keep teaching them. It takes time," said Canny.

Herman says the lesson about locked doors is important even if you don't feel like answering the door -- do it anyway.

"Talk to them through the door, let them know you are there. If you're a kid... Tell them your parents are in the restroom or your parents are sleeping," said Herman.

In Monday's home invasion, a girl in the house escaped to find a neighbor for help.

"Had she not done what she did, the whole thing could have gone another direction," added Herman.