SAN CARLOS PARK, Fla.- Crime Stoppers says San Carlos Park residents are seeing an increase in vehicle burglaries, 91 percent of which have been on cars that were left in a driveway unlocked.

In the last month alone, 11 vehicles have been broken into in a relatively small patch of south Lee County, and with more than $6,700 in valuables taken. Crime Stoppers warns that these are all crimes of opportunity, affording criminals a quick way to get into the cars without any hassle or attention, and allowing them to walk away with cash, wallets, prescriptions and more. During that time period, three guns were stolen from the cars, as well as several laptops, GPS units and credit cards. Even more valuable than the items themselves are the vehicle registrations, which contain a vast and detailed amount of personal information, which can then be parlayed into additional future crimes involving identity theft.

Detectives with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office encourage people to not leave valuable items in their cars overnight, even when the doors are locked. Guns, computers, wallets and purses should all be brought inside, and definitely left out of clear sight of anyone who might pass by the vehicle.

Anyone with information on the series of car burglaries in the San Carlos Park area, or anywhere in Southwest Florida, is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting information to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.