30 unlocked cars targeted, suspect seen on surveillance video

DAVENPORT (FOX 13) - Thieves broke into more than 30 cars in one night and Polk County deputies are looking for the suspects, including one caught on home surveillance.

It happened in the Loma Del Sol and Bella Toscana neighborhoods of Davenport. Investigators say all of the cars had one thing in common: they were unlocked.

"You get in a hurry, one time you don't, unfortunately, and here they come," said Paul Gaffney whose car was broken into.

Thieves were on the prowl early Monday, between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., looking for easy targets.

"When I went into the car and things were just thrown all over the place, the sunglasses and what have you, and the change was gone, but that's all they got out of my car," said Gary Price, whose car was broken into.

Price lost about $5, while Gaffney just found a mess.

"One door was ajar, glove box was open, center console was open," Gaffney said. "99.9-percent of the time, I lock it with a key and I turn on the burglar alarm with the key. Obviously, I didn't this time."

There was one particular car that was locked. And, when a suspect tried getting in, the home's motion detector light turned on while a surveillance camera recorded.

"We're always looking, so you never know who's watching you," said Rosemarie Rusin, whose camera captured the attempt.

Detectives are studying the video and looking for more that will hopefully put some names to the shadowy faces.

"If it can happen to me, and I'm usually a very conscious person, it can happen to anybody," Gaffney said.

Here's a warning to nighttime criminals: somebody's always watching.

"If you want to come back and hit us again, we'll be waiting," said Rusin.

If you recognize the suspect, call PCSO at 863-236-3900. Anyone with information who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward can call 1-800-226-TIPS or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.