Police released a sketch of a man Mandarin residents said was crawling through their daughter's bedroom early Thursday morning.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the residents of a home in the area of Scott Mill Road and Interstate 295 woke up to the sound of footsteps in the early morning hours. A child saw the man crawling on the floor of her bedroom just before she heard her father yelling. The man, who was carrying a flashlight, ran out of the house.
Police said the house had been ransacked. A computer, camera, game system, purse, wallet and backpack were among the items taken.
New4Jax crime and safety analyst Gil Smith said it’s a good idea to lock up valuables ina big safe.
"It’s good if it can be hidden somewhere, away from plain view,” Smith said. “Something that would take a long time to find, that’s a good idea. If you have things that are very valuable and very important to the family, important documents and heirlooms, lock them down so they aren’t easily accessible."
The burglar was described as being in his late teens, 6 feet tall with twists in his hair. At the time, he was wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey.
Anyone with information about the burglar is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSO CrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000, Crime Stoppers with information at 866-845-TIPS.