Manatee officials offer tips after unlocked cars targeted in recent burglaries
Law enforcement agencies are urging residents to lock their vehicles after recent burglaries involving unlocked cars in Manatee County.
The Bradenton Police Department and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office shared surveillance videos this week that appear to show people going car to car in search of unlocked vehicles. Both agencies described the incidents as crimes of opportunity asked the public for help identifying the people shown in the videos.
Video shared by Bradenton police appears to show two people wearing dark hooded sweatshirts walking through a neighborhood at night. One person can be seen going through a pickup truck while the other appears to check for unlocked doors on nearby vehicles.
Police said burglars entered at least two unlocked vehicles, stealing a backup camera system and a camping fan.
The sheriff’s office said similar incidents have been reported across Manatee County over the past several nights. Deputies said firearms, backpacks, iPads, cash and even an entire vehicle left unlocked with the keys inside have been stolen.
Video released by the sheriff’s office appears to show three people wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts walking through the Carlyle community near University Parkway and checking vehicles parked in driveways.
“Our deputies are patrolling affected neighborhoods, but we could use your help,” the sheriff’s office said in its social media post. “The simplest way to stop these crimes is to remove the opportunity.”
Both agencies urged residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and firearms, take their keys inside and report suspicious activity.
Anyone with information about the Bradenton burglaries or who recognizes the people shown in the video is asked to contact Detective Brian Gates at brian.gates@bradentonpd.com or (941) 875-2866.
Anyone who recognizes the individuals shown in the sheriff’s office video or has information about the burglaries is asked to call (941) 747-3011.
