Sanibel PD investigating string of weekend burglaries

SANIBEL, Fla.- The Sanibel Police Department is investigating five burglaries over the weekend on the east side of the island.

“You know, they think they’re on vacation and they’re on Sanibel, that this doesn’t happen to them, well it does,” said seasonal resident Gary Overmann.

Within 24 hours, three different condominium complexes were the target of burglars.

“It does get me on edge just a little bit, so we are being more cautious at our condo,” Overmann said.

Sanibel Police Chief Bill Tomlinson says on Friday, someone was heard leaving through an unlocked bedroom window at the Sanibel Arms condos.

Just around the corner at the Colony Resort, someone also entered an empty unit.

On Saturday, Colony Estates was hit, with a condo broken into as well as an unlocked car and an unlocked trailer.

“We are asking people to lock their doors and windows, especially if they are not there, but even if they are there, keep your doors and windows closed and locked,” Tomlinson said.

Tomlinson says vacationers tend to get too comfortable while on vacation.

“I think Sanibel is generally a very safe place so people have a sense of safety on Sanibel. But what they have to realize is they’re being targeted by people who know they feel safe, so don’t take it for granted and take that extra step,” Tomlinson added.

The police chief says they are following all leads to find the burglars. If you have any information, contact the Sanibel Police Department.