Police search for crooks burglarizing, stealing cars on Marco Island

A rise in car burglaries is being seen by police on an island city in  Southwest Florida.

Marco Island Police Department is looking into whether burglars from last November are responsible for stealing four cars on the island recently.

Marco Island police told us all of the thefts have two things in common: Either the cars were unlocked, or the keys were left inside the cars.

That led to not only four cars being stolen, but seven others broken into, with things such as cash, electronics and computers stolen.

“It just seems insane,” Gina Larsen said. “I mean, Marco Island is such a safe place.”

People in this community are shocked to hear about a string of thefts in their neighborhoods.

The Salomon family recently moved to Marco from Miami, and said it’s something they expect to hear about back there, not on the island.

“Ever since we’re here, we know it’s so safe that we have left the cars actually unlocked sometimes,” Jenny Salamon said. “But now that you’re mentioning this, probably, it won’t happen again.”

Last month, investigators say thieves targeted the same communities and broke into 11 cars and stole three others.

Police are left wondering if it’s the same suspects involved once again.

Police Chief Tracy Frazzano took to social media, urging drivers to protect themselves.

“We want to remind everyone to lock your car doors, remove the keys or key fobs, and remove all valuables from your vehicles,” Frazzano said.

Police are also urging people to remove valuables from their cars, park in well-lit areas, and report anything that seems suspicious.

“It’s just the perfect terrible cherry on the end of 2020, and I hope the grinch is found and brought to justice,” Larsen said.

We also talked to people on the island about the license plate readers that were approved to go up on both entrances to the island.

Most people told us they think that technology will help cut down on crimes like these and bring the thieves to justice.

Out of the four cars that were stolen since recently, two have been recovered.

Police are still searching for a 2019 gray Toyota Tacoma and a 2010 White Acura TLX.