Charlotte County experiences spike in car burglaries

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- In the first quarter of 2016, Charlotte County has seen an increase in car burglaries, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.

There have been 152 thefts from motor vehicles compared to 71 for this same time last year, the sheriff’s office said.

Of the cars that were broken into, 120, or 79 percent of them, were left unlocked, deputies said. The incidents ranged from burglars just rummaging through the vehicles to firearms being stolen.

The sheriff’s office has attempted to produce public service announcements (PSAs) to remind residents to lock up their valuables, but the messages may have also backfired.

A year and a half ago, a group from outside the area arrested after a string of break-ins admitted to targeting Charlotte County because they knew residents were not locking their car doors.

“I am happy that you feel safe enough to leave your doors unlocked,” said Sheriff Bill Prummell in a Facebook post, “but you can take steps to prevent yourself from becoming a victim by taking the time to lock your vehicles and secure your property.”

To report any suspicious activity call CCSO. To learn more about crime prevention you can contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 941-258-3947.