ORLANDO, Fla. -- A test involving an undercover police officer pretending to break into Central homes and cars found that most bystanders ignored or just watched the crime -- and some even helped the thieves.

Local 6 put Central Floridians to the test with the help of a police captain who pretended to be a burglary suspect.

The test found people were ready to help the mystery man break into a car.

Another test involved a Kissimmee police officer who acted like a potential thief, looking in cars and walking through yards trying to open doors and windows.

He was clearly visible to others in the middle of the day for about 10 minutes before an alert neighbor called her daughter, who then called 911, Local 6's Donald Forbes reported.

A third test had the fake burglar enter a home through a window and then go out the front door.

During the staged crime, some golfers gave a friendly wave and a technician ignored the incident.

After the pretend thief loaded up his truck with electronics, someone finally called police.

"I wish it would have happened a little bit quicker, but I was just glad that they called and somebody was watching out for their neighbors," Kissimmee police representative Stacie Miller said. "That gives us a lot of hope out here."

Local 6 also showed video of a car break-in at a Kissimmee Wal-Mart parking lot. Most bystanders just stared at the crime and did not act as well.

Even security guards and employees didn't give the auto burglary a second thought, Forbes said.

Tips To Protect Your Home

Meanwhile, Local 6 offered simple and inexpensive ways to protect Central Florida homes and property.

The first tip offered for homeowners was adding a loud sounding alarm or even a barking dog.

An alarm is a great deterrent, and burglars will try to avoid a loud dog, Local 6's Donald Forbes said.

The report featured an Orange County couple who purchased a motion-detecting web cam and used it to catch a burglar in the act.

The camera automatically sent photos of the break-in to a desktop computer, notifying homeowner Thomas Arline of the crime.

"The first pictures of I got were of him hitting the glass," Arline said.

The report also warned homeowners to have solid doors with deadbolts. The doors should also be resistant to a bump key.

For a few cents, residents can purchase channel locks for home windows, Forbes reported.

The report also recommended using a solid rod to secure all sliding glass doors.

Windows and glass doors should not be blocked by plants or shrubs and exterior lights should be placed high enough so the average person can't disable them.

Forbes said a good neighbor is the best defense in fighting crime.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.