Auto Burglars Targeting Gyms, Unlocked Cars

There’s good news, bad news and news you can use on the auto burglary front in the Westchase area.

The good news is that auto burglaries are technically down in the community overall, according to Cristal Bermudez-Nunez, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office.

The bad news is that were about 25 auto burglaries in the Westchase, Citrus Park and Carrollwood areas combined between April 1-27, according to the sheriff’s office’s online crime mapping tool.

So, what’s the news you can use?

The sheriff’s office says auto burglaries are often preventable if residents take a few steps to deter thieves who might want to snatch a purse, grab a wallet or swipe a CD left on a seat.

Bermudez-Nunez said the sheriff’s office is noticing that auto burglars seem to be targeting gym, fitness center and YMCA parking lots as of late.

“Everyone now is going to the gym and getting ready for summer,” she pointed out.

Oftentimes these people leave items in their vehicles rather than bringing them in and securing them in a gym locker. Unfortunately, that practice can make it all too easy for thieves.

“It’s so easy and quick to smash a window and grab (items) right out,” Bermudez-Nunez said. “We see people either leaving them in (valuables) or forgetting to roll a window up or leaving the doors locked all together.”

Preventing Auto Burglary

There are steps residents can take to prevent their vehicles and their valuables from being targeted by burglaries. Here are a few tips from the sheriff’s office:

• Make sure to keep valuables locked up in a trunk, or better yet, bring them inside or drop them off at home
• Roll up windows
• Lock doors

For more information on preventing auto burglaries, check out the sheriff's office's website.