JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco has made two trips to Jacksonville since May, but it was his last visit in June that will be most memorable for all the wrong reasons
While on a rehabilitation assignment with the Durham Bulls, a thief broke into Franco’s Rolls Royce at the Doubletree hotel on the Southbank in the early hours of the morning on June 22.
According to JSO records, the thief made off with around $650,000 dollars’ worth of jewelry.
The victim’s name is blacked out, but law enforcement sources confirm it was Franco’s car.
Police say the suspect, Khalil Mathis, 24, used a wrench to break in and ran off with a safe.
Inside that safe were two diamond-encrusted Cuban link chains, two gold pendants, a Rolex, and two championship rings.
People we spoke with downtown don’t think it’s smart to leave luxury items like that inside your car.
“You have to be an idiot to keep it in your car,” Downtown Jacksonville resident Joseph Tieber said.
Those heading to the Jumbo Shrimp game said if you want it, take it with you.
“We don’t come downtown and leave anything. If we’re downtown, nothing stays in the car,” Vance Toole said.
Records show this isn’t Mathis’ first hit. He’s facing charges for other separate burglaries. Another report shows he has hit the Doubletree hotel before.
“Keep your valuables at home,” Jump Shrimp fan Jennifer Melendez said.
Wander Franco currently is under an 11-year, $182 million contract.
Mathis was arrested on July 4 for the various burglaries including Franco’s.
His next court date is August 1.
According to JSO crime maps, there have been 31 reported car break-ins in the last six months within a half mile of the Doubletree.
It’s one of the more popular places for busy thieves.
Over the main street, bridges are significantly fewer reported break-ins.
JSO crime maps noted only four reported car break-ins within a half mile of the Jumbo Shrimp’s ballpark, but if you head west, there have been 28 car break-ins around the Florida Theatre.
If you’re going to Riverside, JSO puts 24 car break-ins in the area around River and Post.
Within a half mile of Springfield Park, 17 reported car break-ins in the last six months.
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