Guns Stolen from 4 Unlocked Vehicles in St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — St. Petersburg Police are investigating four separate auto burglaries that occurred over the past week during which firearms were stolen from unlocked rides. Although the burglaries are unrelated, police say they serve as a reminder that gun owners need to step up their security measures.

“We want to take this opportunity to remind responsible gun owner to secure firearms at all times,” the agency wrote in an email to media. “Either take them inside a home and lock them up at night, or lock vehicle doors to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands and being used in future crimes.”

The four burglaries that prompted the warning occurred in the following areas:

• 2100 block of Bayou Grande Boulevard Northeast – The victim discovered the burglary of items in his Mini Cooper around 8 a.m. Sept. 5, police say.
• 4200 block of Indianapolis Street Northeast – This crime was discovered around 6:45 a.m. Sept. 5. The victim went out to his Hummer, police say, and discovered cash missing from the center console. A handgun and keys to his other car were also missing.
• 5000 block of 18th Street North – The victim in this case discovered the burglary around 7:30 a.m. Sept. 1. In this case, a handgun was stolen from a Ford F150.
• 2700 block of 28th Avenue North – In this case, the victim found the driver’s door left open on his vehicle on Sept. 2. The gun, which was kept in the center console, was missing, police say.

Police said all four vehicles were left unlocked when they were burglarized.

Image via Shutterstock