Overnight on February 9th in a Madeira Beach neighborhood, criminals helped themselves to 7 unlocked vehicles and it was quite the haul. Three firearms, 6 magazines of ammunition, over $5,000 in tools, wallets, backpacks, and yes, an entire F-150 because the keys were left inside. The truck was recovered along with wallets and backpacks, but credit cards, cash, and other valuables – not so much.
Let’s be clear, while determined thieves will break windows if valuables are left in plain sight, they rarely do. Over 80% of vehicle burglaries in our service area involve no forced entry, which only means one thing – they were left unlocked or otherwise unsecured. Clip after clip from home surveillance cameras shows thieves trying doors until they find one unlocked to rummage through. Unfortunately, in our community, the odds are always in their favor.
We are once again asking you to please make locking your vehicles part of your daily routine. It is absurdly easy to do and keeps your valuables – especially guns – out of the wrong hands. Our Second Amendment rights come with a lot of responsibilities, including securing your firearms. If you must leave them in a vehicle, secure them in a locked container and never leave one in your vehicle overnight.
Thank you Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for reminding us to lock our cars!
