Clay County Sheriff’s Office seeing a rise in vehicle burglaries and thefts

Check it and chirp it, that’s the message from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office after they say they’ve seen a rise in vehicle burglaries and thefts recently because of unlocked vehicles. Sgt. Keith Smith with the sheriff’s office says deputies have seen the rise in the Oakleaf and Fleming Island areas.

“Over the last 4 to 6 weeks, ya know, we’ve seen, small increases. Then probably over the last 2 to 3 weeks of that 6 weeks span it seems to taken a greater spike.” Sgt. Smith says.

He says the spike seen is nothing compared to what St. Johns and Duval Counties have experienced recently.

Sgt. Smith says the people who are doing this type of crime are targeting anyone who might have left their vehicle unlocked.

“We need to get everybody in the habit of locking your car every time you get out.” Sgt. Smith says.

Sgt. Smith says the type of people who are attempting to get into unlocked vehicles are doing it for the potential opportunity.

The sheriff’s office says during the increase 29 guns have been stolen from the unlocked vehicles. Sgt. Smith says if you have a gun in your car take it out and lock it up.

“There’s just no reason to leave a firearm in your vehicle and especially one that’s unsecured.” Sgt. Smith says.

He says the sheriff’s office is constantly arresting people who break in to vehicles and there is not one specific group of suspects they are searching for.