- December 14, 2025
The following is adapted from a press release from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office:
Sheriff Donald W. Fleming is urging local residents and visitors to help fight crime by removing valuables from their parked vehicles.
“Over the weekend we had at least 13 'smash and grab' incidents where valuables were left in plain sight inside locked vehicles. Thieves smashed out windows in order to grab the purses, wallets, bags or whatever they could see inside the vehicle,” said Sheriff Fleming.
Some of the incidents occurred at beach front parks or on roads with waterfront parking. Three vehicles were burglarized Saturday night during a dance recital at Flagler Auditorium. Thieves targeted cars with laptops visible, bags, cell phones and checkbooks.
Other interstate communities throughout Northeast Florida are experiencing this increase in car burglaries. The criminals are also targeting vehicles parked at restaurants and shopping areas.
In order to avoid falling victim to this “crime of opportunity," always remove bags, packages, luggage, purses or anything else that might be of value whenever you are parking your vehicle.
This advice holds true whether you are parking at your home or in a public place.
“If you are going out to eat or to do a little shopping, take these extra steps. We need everyone’s help in combatting crime in our community,” Fleming said.
