Teen burglary spree ended by Polk Co. deputies

MULBERRY (FOX 13) - Polk County deputies say they foiled the burglary spree of four teens, who are now are under arrest . 

Deputies say the teens targeted homes in South Lakeland and Mulberry - the Shepherd Oaks and Imperial Lakes subdivisions. Investigators arrested the teens, the oldest of whom is Donte Smith, 19. Deputies say surveillance cameras caught parts of the car and property burglaries, and then investigators caught the teens in the act early Wednesday.

Deputies say they stole five cars, two guns and other property. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says almost all the victims left their car or home doors unlocked.

"Are you kidding me? Your house is not locked so they go in and get the keys to your car. Your car is not locked so they go in and steal your guns," said Judd.

Brandon Garcia tells FOX 13 the burglars tried to see if his cars were unlocked. He had locked the doors so the teens moved on. Garcia puts most of the blame on the burglars' parents.

"I guess it just goes back to their home and how they're brought up. Hate to say it, but if they were watched better, brought up better, it probably wouldn't have happened," said Garcia.

Investigators recovered most of the stolen property Wednesday.