Three locked vehicles had windows smashed and items stolen Tuesday evening while the vehicles were parked at Frieda Zamba Pool, Palm Coast’s municipal pool at 339 Parkview Drive.
All three burglaries took place between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., when it was still clear daylight, targeting a Lexus, a Toyota Sienna and a Chrysler 200. A purse was stolen from each of the vehicles.
Over $1,000 in merchandise was stolen as well as a seven-night vacation package, gift cards, and miscellaneous items, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
“Unfortunately we do not have a witness at this time and there is no surveillance footage available,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Be cautious of your surroundings, lock your doors, and don’t keep valuables in your vehicle, especially in plain view.”
Palm Coast and surrounding areas have been the subject of periodic rashes of smash-and-grab burglaries over the years. Officials suspect in some cases the burglars travel the Interstate, attack a specific neighborhood, then flee. Similar incidents have been reported recently in the Jacksonville area. In other cases, the burglars are local–and are at times arrested. The overwhelming majority of car burglaries affect vehicles left unlocked, however. But all three cars parked at the pool had been locked.
Criminals look for opportunity: The Sheriff’s Office is reminding the community to never leave a purse or wallet unattended, never leave valuables inside a vehicle, always lock the doors and never leave car keys inside a vehicle. Gyms, fitness centers and shopping plazas are often the targets of these smash and grab type burglaries. In Palm Coast, trail-heads have also been targeted.
If anyone has a tip on these smash and grab burglaries, please contact FCSO at 386-313-4911 and mention Case Number 18-51967 or email TIPS@flaglersheriff.com. Download the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office app in the App Store or Google Play and submit tips instantly. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS. You may be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.00.
Really says
Schools out pretty simple
Richard says
Locking a vehicle is only a “feel good” thing for the owner as demonstrated in this article. Use common sense when valuables are left in plain view inside a car. I use a Dash Cam that records in both directions, outside for erratic driving vehicles and accidents plus inside for just this situation. It is hardwired powered ALL the time not just when the ignition is active.
Patty Babbitt says
Sorry for the damage and items stolen. The police in palm coast are just say it’s kids. Our car and three more got broke into last year. We called the police and they did nothing. Just told us it was kids. See if they would of tried to do something this might not have happened. They got away with it and not getting braver and more damage is being done. Thank you.
Old Hammock says
How can people be so naive that they would leave valuables in there car? Palm Coast is another big city with bigger opportunities for criminals. Take your crap with you or leave it at home!
Realistic Expectations says
Patty Babbitt~you say LE did “nothing” but you didn’t tell us what evidence they had to work with. Did you have cameras in your neighborhood (or even better at your home)? Was there a witness? I have been the victim of theft before, but I don’t blame LE for not parking an Officer in front of my home at all times just in case. FCSO has no reason NOT to want to catch these thieves and stop them from continuing to break into vehicles. Your comment suggests that they just don’t care. I’m sure they came out and took a report, so at the very least, that’s not “nothing”. I’d like to hear what you would have liked for them to do.
Haydav4@aol.com says
Maybe it’s time to hire outside security.
Anonymous says
Solution is pretty simple, leave nothing in view. Facts are, there is crime everywhere and you have to take preventative steps. LEO cannot always be there. Cameras are great for your home/driveway, but there are also vehicle cams available. Tinted windows can help, but that can lead to breaking windows cause they can’t see in. Best tip, take it with you or lock it in the trunk.
Anonymous says
Multiple bikes were stolen from the bike racks at European Village over the years, mine included so what they did was move the bike racks outside of the view of the cameras. Sometimes there are no cameras where they should be because people don’t want to help.
Diva64 says
Does Palm Coast or Flagler have any public Indoor pools for those who can’t spend time in the sun ?