Sebastian Daily, alongside the Sebastian Police Department and Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, has repeatedly urged locals over the years to secure their vehicles.
Roughly three weeks ago, Sebastian was hit by another wave of vehicular break-ins. Thankfully, FLOCK surveillance systems, which include license plate readers stationed on Interstate 95 and at various intersections, occasionally help the sheriff’s office trace stolen cars.
The culprits? Captain Timothy Wood from the Sebastian Police Department points to a blend of possible youths and individuals outside the area. They specifically target vehicles that are not locked, given the ease of entry.
Recently, these criminals penetrated gated communities, raising questions about their entry methods – whether through acquaintances or following authorized vehicles into the subdivision.
The recent spree of vehicle break-ins included Ashbury, a gated subdivision at the crossroads of Sebastian Blvd and Ashbury Blvd. Residents from Briarcliff Circle contacted the Sebastian Police early in the morning to report that 13 vehicles had been entered and one had been stolen. Each car had been left unlocked and bore no indication of forced entry.
One vehicle yielded a flashlight dropped by a suspect, which has been collected for evidence. No fingerprints could be retrieved due to bad weather. The intruders searched through the vehicles and glove compartments.
Although some homes nearby had surveillance cameras, none captured the actual crimes.
Another resident discovered their unlocked Toyota Corolla with the keys inside stolen while walking their dog. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a ditch near Indian River Charter High School and recovered by the sheriff’s office the same day.
In an ironic twist, at another house, while the thieves had rummaged through an unlocked vehicle, they left behind valuable power tools and designer sunglasses.
One neighbor found a brown wallet in his yard, which turned out to be his neighbor’s, with all contents intact except for the cash.
Another neighbor noted their car had been rummaged through but presumed a family member had not closed the glove box.
Authorities continue to investigate these incidents but stress the importance of locking vehicles, and not leaving valuables like cash, purses, wallets, or firearms in them.