Just before 6 p.m. Friday, 11 News came upon some North Houston homeowners who had called police after noticing burglars stopped by while they were away.

Next door, the suspect gained access through the bathroom window that may have been shattered using a brick.

Houston police Capt. Cesar Moore told 11 News that there have been 26,320 burglaries so far this year. That’s up six percent from 2006.

And it's clear by the number of people that support the actions of Pasadena resident Joe Horn that homeowners are fed up.

One KHOU.com one viewer writes:

"Absolutely support what Mr. Horn did. Having been a burglary victim also, it is a terrible thing to have your home, the most secure place in most people's lives, violated by thieves and thugs. My burglar is already being paroled from TDC after only serving nine months. What a joke the system is in terms of fair treatment to victims. If more burglars were shot on the spot, less of them would be willing to enter our homes."

That email prompted us check the sentences being handed down at the courthouse for burglars.

What we learned is most first time offenders get probation or deferred adjudication.

But the penal code also allows convicted burglars to get life. If they've made burglarizing homes a career.

“We've got the toughest criminal laws in the nation. We are no nonsense,” said Houston state senator Sen. John Whitmire.

“The sad thing about it is that tough laws are not always a deterrent because these folks normally have a drug habit. So, what I have worked on in recent years is not only a stiff sentence, but if we capture these people we try to get them off the dope.”

“You know, I think each case should be taken on its own merits,” said defense attorney Anthony Osso. “There are arguments pros and cons for probation (or) rehabilitation. You can’t really have a general steadfast rule.”

The latest life sentence in Texas for a convicted burglar was handed down by a jury in Waco back in September.

But now, Joe Horn could be facing time behind bars. Ultimately, it will be up to a grand jury to decide if he will face charges.