JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For the second time in less than a month, a Jacksonville neighborhood is hit by thieves breaking into vehicles, and now, residents in Sutton Lakes, near Craig Airport, are concerned for their safety.
In late March, two thieves were caught on a homeowner’s surveillance camera searching through vehicles. Thursday, a gun was stolen from inside a family van.
"I just worry about my wife. I don't want anything to happen to any of us obviously," said Bob Burwell, who lives in the neighborhood. "We've been married 49 years this year. Got to keep her safe."
Burwell admitted that times have changed.
"When I was a kid we didn't lock our doors, but that was 100 years ago. But we should be locking our doors to be safe, just common sense stuff," Burwell said.
In security video of the first incident, men, boldly open unlocked car doors in the middle of night and take whatever they can find. One thief sees the camera, makes an obscene gesture, and carries on.
Most recently, a resident called News4Jax to say his wife's gun was stolen out of their van.
"Obviously if this person is taking a gun that means they have it with them, which could lead to something else which isn't very good," Victoria Ellis, who babysits in the neighborhood, said.
People in Sutton Lakes want more security.
The manager of the 1,200-home neighborhood says an off-duty Jacksonville Sheriff's Officer randomly patrols the area when he can and they warn neighbors to close their garages and lock their doors.
News4Jax safety expert Gil Smith said young kids are committing the crimes all over town...
"This happens in every neighborhood in Jacksonville. It doesn't matter what side of town you're on. It usually happens in neighborhood where people feel more safe," Smith said. "It's extremely important, especially as we're getting into Spring Break or the summer months to try to remember to always lock your door whenever you're leaving and never leave a weapon inside your car."
These are crimes of opportunity that crooks will continue to take advantage of, no matter where you live.