JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Neighbors living in one local neighborhood are taking steps to protect their belongings.
The thieves were caught on camera breaking into several cars in Oceanway.
Neighbors tell Action News Jax they think their neighborhood was canvassed and then items were left near the cars, marking them before they were broken into.
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Neighbors are on alert after they say the people burglarized several cars in the neighborhood.
“You could just see him messing with it. They were probably there for at least a minute trying to get it open,” said neighbor Zack Cooper.
Cooper said his truck was one of those targeted. In one video, he said a suspect is seen standing near the driver side door.
“They were trying to pull the lock or something because you can see where it was damaged,” Cooper said.
“From the video I saw, these appear to be amateurs,” said Action News Jax Crime and Safety Expert Ken Jefferson. “He's finagling around with it and just gives up and comes back to the other car, which seems to be unlocked, he opens it and closes it, the lights come on and he runs off.”
Jefferson said surveillance cameras can help deter criminals, but it's also good to lock your car.
“Keep your doors locked, never leave anything visible that would tempt a thief because he can't walk by and not steal it. Do all you can to soften that target, to minimize the risk and opportunity of the thief getting in your car,” Jefferson said.
“The trunk was open when I came out and this was up and everything,” Cooper said.
Cooper said his neighbor’s Mustang was also broken into and neighbors think the thieves may have canvassed the neighborhood, leaving items like cups or rags near the driveways of the homes they wanted to target.
“You feel a little bit violated but it happens quite a bit, so I can't say I'm surprised to be honest unfortunately,” Cooper said.
If you have any information on the break-ins or person seen in the video, call police.
Cox Media Group
