Stranger knocking on your door? Police warn make some noise!

GLENDALE, AZ - A knock on the door may be a knock of opportunity for thieves and how you respond may save you from serious danger.

"Most thieves don't want an encounter but when they feel trapped you don't know what they'll do," said Sgt. Brent Coombs with Glendale Police.

Coombs says there are more incidents where thieves are staking out homes with only a knock at the door. 

The mistake people make is that they stay quiet or pretend not to be home.

Coombs explains that actually is the invitation for thieves to enter the home, thinking the coast is clear.  

Coombs said rather than stay quiet, you should check who is at the door.

You shouldn't open it ,but rather say in a loud voice that you are home and that you don't know them and they should go away because you are calling the police.

He recommends homeowners report anyone who comes to the door who seems suspicious.

An incident in December in Phoenix is a clear example of how things can escalate.  

Suspects attempted to break into a Phoenix police officer's home after knocking on the door.  

He didn't answer because he had been sleeping after working the nightshift. 

When someone got in the home he ended up firing a shot at the suspect who fled.