Deputies are turning to the community for information on a rash of residential burglaries.
There has been a sudden increase in break-ins reported to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in recent weeks.
The majority of the burglaries have been reported in Golden Gate Estates.
Investigators said burglars are entering homes by any means possible. Often, the burglars are entering through unlocked doors and windows. In some cases where a house was locked and secure, burglars have cut the screen to the lanai and then pried open the rear sliding glass doors.
The burglaries are occurring during the daylight hours and often just after the homeowner leaves. In some cases the victim has only been out of the house for 10 to 15 minutes, returning to find that someone had already been in the house and left.
Investigators said the burglars will park a vehicle in the driveway and take the stolen property out the front door.
CCSO asks that if you do return home and see something suspicious or someone who should not be there do not enter your home or confront the stranger. Call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information should call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-793-9300 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).
Cualquier persona con informaciòn debe llamar a La Oficina del Aguacil del Condado de Collier al 239-793-9300 o si desea seguir siendo anònimo llame a Crime Stoppers al 1800-780-Tips (8477).
CCSO offers the following tips to help prevent this type of break-in:
* Lock all doors and windows with quality locks.
* Purchase and install supplemental locks on sliding doors. Deadbolts that fasten into the ceiling and floor are particularly effective.
* Consider installing an alarm system.
* Be alert every time you leave home. If you see anyone who is lingering nearby and does not live in your neighborhood, call 911.
