Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a string of burglaries in the Longleaf subdivision in southwest Gainesville.
Art Forgey, a sheriff’s office spokesperson, said the incidents took place overnight Friday, and Longleaf residents woke up Saturday morning to find their cars burglarized. He wrote in an email that 17 cars were broken into, and all but one were unlocked.
On Monday, WCJB TV20 shared home surveillance video in the Longleaf subdivision. The footage revealed a group of suspects approaching several cars on the night of the burglaries.
Forgey said pocket change, small electronics and personal items such as a wallet and purse were taken during these burglaries.
Two vehicles were stolen and have not yet been recovered, Forgey said. Both vehicles have been placed into a national database system used by law enforcement as the investigation continues, he wrote.
Detectives are still working the cases and analyzing evidence forensically, Forgey said.
“We are also trying to push information out reminding people to lock their cars, don’t leave valuables inside or keys,” Forgey wrote.
Forgey said no arrests were made as of Thursday evening.
Contact Samia Lagmis at Slagmis@alligator.org.
