Multiple car burglaries have been reported at Brooklyn Riverside Apartments, leaving some neighbors worried for their safety.
While some people who live there hadn’t heard of the break-ins Tuesday, others said they were targeted in recent weeks.
Apartment complex resident Matt Williams said his car was burglarized about two weeks ago. “Pretty sure I locked it and they just popped it open,” Williams said. “I noticed my car battery was dead and my stuff had been rummaged through.”
Williams said he’s been living in the community since December and has never had any problems.
Residents of Brooklyn Riverside say there's been a recent string of car break-ins. Working to get comment from management @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/D1M5FJJONo
— Lorena Inclán (@LorenaANjax) February 21, 2017
Action News Jax received an email from Brooke Morris, who said her locked car was also broken into and her belongings were stolen.
“Multiple police reports have been filed and the office has been made aware, however, what have they done? Left a stack of brochures in the lobby giving us tips on ways to protect our vehicles,” Morris said.
Morris said she’d like to see a police officer patrolling the area.
Another neighbor told Action News Jax Tuesday that her boyfriend’s car was burglarized while it sat outside the gates.
Williams said his car was broken into while it was parked within the gated community.
“I don’t know how they got in. The gates are usually good. I've never seen any problems with people getting in,” Williams said.
Action News Jax tried speaking with management but they referred us to the corporate offices. After multiple calls and an email to the property management company, we got a response.
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A spokesperson with Bell Partners said they took over at the beginning of the month and that they’re working with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to address the issue.
The spokesperson, who refused to give her name, said they have informed their courtesy officer to be on “special alert” and have distributed letters to residents about the issue. However, she would not comment on whether they’re conducting security patrols, citing privacy concerns.
The spokesperson called the crime a “widespread problem” for downtown Jacksonville in general, and said it’s not unique to Brooklyn Riverside.
Action News Jax checked JSO’s crime mapping system and found at least 14 records of car break-ins in the last month within a one-mile radius of the Brooklyn Riverside Apartments.
Williams said that the issue is forcing him to change his behavior.
“By not keeping anything valuable in my car,” said Williams.
Williams said despite the vehicle burglaries, he still feels safe living in the community.
Cox Media Group
