Monday, February 22, 2010

Citizen Tip Leads To Arrest In Car Break-Ins

Information from an alert citizen helped deputies arrest an 18-year-old man Sunday on more than a dozen charges in connection with multiple vehicle break-ins at a North Naples development over the weekend.

Eric Lee Arizmendi, 2253 Arbor Walk Circle, North Naples, was charged with four counts of burglary of an unoccupied vehicle, two counts of burglary of a dwelling while armed, four counts of petty theft, one count of burglary of an unoccupied structure, one count of criminal mischief over $1,000, and one count of marijuana possession under 20 grams.

Arizmendi is charged with breaking into several vehicles that were parked in the parking lot at Bridgewater Bay development. All of the vehicles were unlocked, according to sheriff’s reports.

Reports say deputies responded to Bridgewater Bay around 7:20 a.m. Sunday after a citizen contacted the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to report seeing a man attempting to gain entry to vehicles in the parking lot.

When deputies arrived they found Arizmendi, who matched the citizen’s description of the suspect, reports said.

Further investigation by deputies found that Arizmendi had broken into at least four vehicles on Friday and stole items such as GPS units, camera, cell phone, and a radio face plate. Deputies also found that Arizmendi was storing the stolen items in a van that did not belong to him, reports said.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office wants members of the community to let law enforcement know about unusual activity. Contact CCSO at 252-9300 if you see anything that doesn’t seem right.

CCSO offers these tips to keep thieves out of your car:

* Don’t leave your valuables in plain view.

* Putting your purse behind the front seat or putting a wallet in your console isn’t hiding it from thieves.

* Only take what you need, whether it’s cash or a wallet. Leave the rest at home.

* Set your car alarm if you have one.