Police warning holiday shoppers after a string of car break-ins in Naples

Writer: Matthew Seaver
Published: Updated:
Raul Pineros and Rodrigo Ome (Credit: Collier County Sheriff’s Office)

Thieves are targeting your Christmas presents. They are preying on you by breaking into cars while you’re shopping for the holidays. Collier County deputies and Naples police just arrested two people for doing that very thing.

Their car doors were unlocked, and Naples police say that’s the easiest way to fall victim to a crime like this.

Holiday shoppers said they’re not shocked and try to keep their doors locked and their guards up.

“That’s the unfortunate part of crimes like that, you know people are looking to take advantage of the situation,” said Jean Durling.

Unlocked cars at the waterside shops were a perfect target.

Jacob Ostler from Naples said, “that’s not a very healthy Christmas environment it doesn’t seem like they are respecting the holiday spirit.”

High-end retail purchases were stolen.

Naples police and Collier County deputies worked together to arrest Raul Pineros and Rodrigo Ome for a string of car break-ins in recent weeks.

Raul Pineros and Rodrigo Ome (Credit: Collier County Sheriff’s Office)

Investigators watched them enter two luxury cars Wednesday.

Durling, who is visiting her mother in Naples, said she’s always vigilant. “I’ve always learned like a crossbody bag or you know, keeping it you know, close to close to you
You don’t have to be afraid all the time but just being aware of where you are and what’s around you.”

Ostler agrees, “I keep all my stuff in zippers pockets so they don’t fall out and try and not shop alone.”

Investigators say the two suspects stole $400 worth of groceries from whole foods at Mercato too.

Shoppers say don’t let the Christmas shopping season make you a victim.

“You get caught up in the holiday spirit and you’re just not thinking the same way that you might otherwise,” said Durling.

Police searched the suspect’s car and found window punches, rubber gloves, and a police scanner.

Investigators say more charges are possible in the case.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.