Atlantic Beach police investigating pickup theft, six car burglaries

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ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – There’s a neighborhood crime alert in Atlantic Beach, where police are investigating at least six vehicle burglaries and a truck theft.

According to the Atlantic Beach Police Department, the car burglaries and theft happened from Thursday through Sunday on Fourth Street, 18th Street, Taylor Way and Waters Park on Seminole Road, near 11th Street.

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Home surveillance movie recorded on Sunday shows at least three people run up to homes on Fourth Street, looking for unlocked cars. One person can be seen rummaging through a Lexus as the accomplices check other vehicles. Minutes later, they’re able to begin a Ford pickup and peel out.

“Each side of me. On both sides, and I was fortunate neither one of my vehicles was touched,” said Michael Rutkawski, an Atlantic Beach resident who lives in inbetween two homes that were hit. “I’m sure people in this area leave cars unlocked, leave front doors unlocked. I mean, it’s a peaceful area.”

But there’s more. News4Jax also found reports of break-ins up and down the beach community — from Waters Park to the 18th Street beach access.

“I appreciate you letting me know,” said Elaine Price, an Atlantic Beach resident.

Residents who News4Jax spoke to on Tuesday said they weren’t aware of the problems, but they’re now on high-alert.

“I’m going to keep my garage door closed,” one woman said.

The victims told police that the thieves stole credit cards, Social Security cards, cash, cellphones and professional camera gear. One of the cars was used at nearby stores, including Best Buy, where someone racked up more than $Five,000 in charges.

Scott Malcolm, who has lived in Atlantic Beach for a long time, said he’s seen crimes of opportunities before.

“You got to lock your car,” Malcolm said. “Lock the car and be aware of your surroundings.”

A commander with the Atlantic Beach Police Department told News4Jax that the big problem is most of the burglarized vehicles were unlocked. She said that’s the case ninety percent of the time.

Police said they’ve received some descriptions of possible suspects and even a tag number. But as of Tuesday, police said, they don’t have enough to name someone and release it to the public.

Officers also reminded people to always dual check their vehicles are locked every time they leave them.

Copyright two thousand seventeen by WJXT News4Jax – All rights reserved.

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