Avondale, FL. — Several break-ins and car thefts in the Avondale area, have neighbors concerned for their safety.
Lara Ragunas and her family were one of the victims.
She said on October 5, while her family was asleep, someone broke into her home.
Ragunas awoke to find her car, television, purse and the keys to her home, missing, according to a police report obtained by Action News Jax.
It took a few days to get the locks changed.
“I was up all night, waiting for the alarm go off,” Lara Ragunas said.
She said her car was finally found a week and a half later.
“I could see in the cupholder were cigarette butts, cigarette products, wrapper on the floor.” Ragunas told Action News Jax reporter, Meghan Moriarty, that her family does not smoke and she wanted them tested for potential DNA.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) sent Action News Jax this statement, saying “According to the report, the stolen vehicle was recovered, and at the time of recovery it was processed for possible evidentiary value.”
Moriarty obtained police reports from several other, similar crimes just a mile from Ragunas' home.
In the last month there have been 14 serious crimes within a mile of the victim’s house, according to JSO’s crime map.
There were three car break-ins and several thefts.
“I think it’s been very clear it’s a low priority,” Ragunas said, referring to her case. “I think it’s penny wise and pound foolishness.”
Moriarty asked the Sheriff’s office is these crimes could be related.
A spokesperson said at this time nothing indicates that, but this is still an active investigation.
The spokesperson said all aspects of the case will be reviewed to identify similarities with other crimes in the area in an effort to identify suspects.
Cox Media Group
