By JOE SEELIG

SEBRING — A 70-year-old Sebring woman woke up at about 4 a.m. Sunday, awakened by a bright light, turned her head and saw an unknown man standing in her bedroom, according to a sheriff’s report.

She yelled “Get the hell out of here, I’m calling the police.”
Luckily for her, the burglar ran off. Unfortunately for her he took a laptop computer worth $3,000 with him.

The victim lived in a manufactured home just off of Hammock Road near Brunns Road. The address has been withheld by Highlands Today to protect the victim’s privacy.
Meanwhile, not far away, a couple in their 60s living with their 86-year-old mother discovered the same night that their home had been burglarized as well, while they slept.

Deputies and an Avon Park K-9 unit working on the first burglary were notified at about 4:05 a.m. Sunday that the 86-year-old woman was awakened by a bright light in her bedroom.
Another laptop computer was missing along with her purse, some items of clothing, some cash, a wallet and two sets of car keys.
The K-9 track ended with a loss of scent, which indicated the burglar got into a vehicle of some sort.

Sheriff’s Det. Bobby Burch said these incidents were among as many as 10 similar crimes reported within the last two months in the Sebring area. Other such crimes took place at the Francis II and the Fairmount Mobile Home parks, Burch said.

The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is recommending that residents report any suspicious activity anytime they see it.
“If anyone sees anything suspicious they need to call law enforcement right away,” said Burch. “Do not delay.”

People need to make an extra effort to make sure their homes are secured, Burch said. “By any means necessary.”
Deputies are recommending people close and lock their doors and windows, especially at night or when leaving their homes or going to sleep.

To report a crime in progress call 911. For information call Burch at 402-7200 or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS to report information about a crime and remain anonymous.