The number of home invasions in Phoenix have doubled from this time last year, police said.
One Phoenix family who found themselves a random victim described the ordeal as a nightmare.
"I was coming in our RV gate about one o'clock in the morning and they asked for a phone book to call a taxi cab," said Steve Locke.
Locke said he fell for the bait and within seconds three men were inside the family's home.
The invaders tied up the Locke family, forced them to the ground with pillow cases over their head, ransacked their home stealing valuables and even took the family's dog, police said.
"I was scared to death," Locke said. "I just wanted to live. I thought we were going to die.
Police said in the past three months there have been 122 home invasions, amounting to more than one a day. Investigators said that's double normally seen this time of year.
Phoenix police have set up a task force to handle the case loads.
"If you look at it, it's really all around the city," said Lt. Laurie Burgett of the Phoenix Police Department.
Police said they believe multiple groups could be involved. They said while many of the victims are involved in criminal activity, the Lockes were innocent targets.
"They appear to be true victims," Burgett said.
Random victims no longer feel safe in their own home.
"It has completely changed our lives," Locke said. "We don't come and go like we used. We're in before dark. We lock the gates and the doors. Everything has changed."
The family said they are still searching for their blue pitbull.
Police cautioned residents to pay careful attention to their surroundings and notify police dispatchers of suspicious activity.
This is surely due to the horrible economic times we are in, however, that doesn't help the victims of these terrible crimes. It's sad to say, but you can't talk to strangers anymore, meaning you can't trust people these days. You have to use your own judgement and always be alert. It's hard to try and think that everyone is a criminal, but these are the times we live in. Protect yourself and your family, buy a firearm and learn how to use it correctly.
Here are a couple of great links for people who want to protect themselves and their families:
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