Rash of car burglaries in Shores area

Sheriff’s detectives have reported to Historic City News that they have identified six suspects, including five juveniles, who they say are responsible for a number of auto burglaries that occurred in the St. Augustine Shores community early Saturday morning.

The investigation began Saturday morning when a Solo Court resident discovered a burglary to their vehicle where a knife set was removed. The knives were found on the ground next to a vehicle belonging to a neighbor.

An 18 year-old male, two 14 year-olds, two 12 year-olds, and a 13 year-old were identified in the area and questioned by deputies. According to Kevin Kelshaw, Sheriff’s Media Relations Officer, the teens admitted to several burglaries of unlocked vehicles.

Upon further questioning by Property Crimes Unit Detective, David Zufelt, the juveniles admitted to attempting to enter over 200 vehicles in the St. Augustine Shores area between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Saturday.

Kelshaw told Historic City News that all of the vehicles entered were unlocked and among the items that the suspects removed were cash, I-Pods, GPS units, phones, lighters and condoms.

Detectives have recovered some of the property and are looking for the rightful owners.

One of the suspects is still being sought and detectives are continuing to look for additional stolen property.

The Sheriff’s Office is hanging pink door notices on homes in the St. Augustine Shores area requesting homeowners to check their vehicles and report anything that may have been stolen. If you believe that your car was burglarized early Saturday morning in St. Augustine Shores, contact Detective Zufelt at 209-1457.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer