Jacksonville neighbors say burglars are targeting their homes

Neighbors in the Pinecrest subdivision on the Westside said burglars are targeting their homes.

Mildred Smith, 77, said her home, along with others on Guardian Drive, have been hit in the past week.

Smith said the thieves got away with keepsakes, jewelry and an iPad.

“It was nothing really expensive,” Smith said. “It hurts, it’s more sentimental values.”

She said the thieves weren’t done and returned six days later to steal her car. It’s a white 2006 Chevrolet HHR, with the Florida Tag “517MPN.”

Smith’s next-door neighbor captured one of the possible suspects on surveillance video.

The video shows the suspect feverishly knocking on the door and ringing the doorbell, which Smith’s granddaughter believes he was doing to act as a decoy -- “I'm guessing to see if anybody was home,” Me'Lisa Baker said.

The next-door neighbor had his backdoor smashed with a brick, but the suspects never made it inside.

Smith said she plans on installing security cameras. She said the stolen items can be replaced, but she fears the suspects may strike again.

“I wish that it would all stop,” Smith said. “I trust God to take care of me.

Cox Media Group