Vehicle Burglaries Reported In Golden Gate Point Area: Police

SARASOTA, FL — The Golden Gate Point area has seen an increase in vehicle burglaries in recent weeks, the Sarasota Police Department said in a news release.

An unlocked vehicle was stolen from the neighborhood Friday, police said. Two other vehicles in the area were also burglarized, with the thieves walking away with loose change, cash, phone cords and gas credit cards.

Police are also investigating 10 vehicles burglaries that took place in Golden Gate Point on Oct. 17.

Since Jan. 1, there have been 286 reports of vehicle burglaries in the city of Sarasota, police said. In 85 percent — or 244 — of these cases, the vehicles were unlocked. Additionally, 15 firearms have been stolen from unlocked vehicles this year.

With the holidays approaching, SPD stresses that residents and visitors should lock their vehicles and remove valuables and firearms.

Anyone with information about the vehicle burglaries in Golden Gate Point is asked to contact the Sarasota Police Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070. To leave an anonymous tip, contact Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477).