Military gear, gun stolen during Clay County car burglary

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Military gear, including a suit used in chemical warfare and a gun, were stolen during a recent string of car burglaries in Clay County.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office report says the military gear was reported stolen when the victim showed up to his military base and noticed his gear was gone.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the number of guns stolen from cars in Clay County this year has surpassed the total number stolen last year.

The Sheriff’s Office said that so far this year, 43 guns have been stolen in car burglaries. In 2015 there were 39 stolen, and in 2014 there were 32.

Action News Jax spoke to Donna, a Clay County resident, about the increase in burglaries.

“I mean, don't leave your gun in the car. That's kind of silly and just protect it. It's a piece of equipment that can kill somebody,” Donna said.

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Within the last week, a gun and concealed weapons permit were stolen from a vehicle in Orange Park. Military gear including a gas mask, chest protector and a suit for chemical warfare were also stolen from a truck in the same neighborhood. We spoke to neighbor and military veteran Josh Travis about the thefts.

“It gets pretty pricey once ... if it goes missing or is stolen,” Travis said.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, so far this year there have been 440 total car burglaries. In 2015 there were 455 and in 2014 there were 482. Neighbors said they are doing what they can to keep themselves and their property safe.

“Lock your doors. That's really all I can say. Get lights, maybe sensor lights,” Travis said.

“You never want anything like that to happen close to your house. You're always looking and being cautious,” Donna said.

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