A South Fulton homeowner says she had to bolt from her house not once but twice after waking up to a masked intruder who later came back with a spare key. Melody LaCoste walked away with a busted foot, stitches in her elbow and one very long night, and her close call has neighbors suddenly rethinking spare-key hiding spots and basic door security.
Intruder Came Back To The Door
According to WSB-TV, LaCoste told Channel 2 she woke up to find a masked man standing over her. She screamed, and the intruder ran out. She then locked the front door, called 911 and waited on the staircase for police. WSB-TV reports the man later returned after getting a spare key, turned the doorknob and came back to the door before LaCoste pulled back a curtain and saw him again. The station notes the incident happened in South Fulton and that LaCoste was treated for a busted foot and stitches on her elbow.
Police And Prevention Resources
The City of South Fulton highlights neighborhood-watch programs, crime-prevention workshops and a community-focused P.A.C.T. unit that posts weekly crime statistics and resources for residents, according to the city's website. Local officials and outreach teams stress simple, actionable steps such as reviewing locks, improving exterior lighting and signing up for neighborhood alerts as part of a broader prevention push. LaCoste's account is a stark reminder of how fast a routine night can flip into something dangerous and why those basics matter.
Practical Steps For Neighbors
Security guides warn against stashing spare keys in obvious outdoor spots and recommend upgrading to deadbolts, cameras or smart-lock systems and giving extras only to trusted people. As outlined by Security.org, the safest move during an active intrusion is to create distance, look for escape routes and call 911 instead of confronting a suspect. Residents say LaCoste's ordeal is a wake-up call to double-check spare-key habits, review existing locks and consider joining local safety programs so neighbors are better prepared to look out for one another.
