Coral Springs Police warn residents to lock their vehicles after surge in car burglaries during summer months
Coral Springs, Florida – As the summer heat intensifies, Coral Springs residents are being urged by local authorities to take simple yet crucial steps to protect their vehicles from a rising trend of burglaries. The Coral Springs Police Department has issued a clear reminder to always lock car doors and remove any valuables in plain sight. This warning comes as part of an effort to combat an increase in vehicle-related crimes in the area.
In a message shared by Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock, the rise in vehicle burglaries during the warmer months is a significant concern. In his quarterly update, posted online on July 1, Chief Mock emphasized that summer sees a noticeable uptick in vehicle-related incidents. He referred to a two-year-old video featuring Sgt. Eric Jomant, who shed light on the startling statistics of vehicle burglaries in Coral Springs from May 2023.
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Sgt. Jomant pointed out that an overwhelming majority of vehicle burglaries in Coral Springs – approximately 84% – involve unlocked cars. In addition, 64% of stolen vehicles had a key fob left inside, making them even easier targets for thieves. “That’s a huge factor we can control,” said Jomant in the video. “If your vehicle is locked, and you don’t have any valuables in plain view, 9.9 times out of 10, the burglar will just bypass your vehicle completely.”
The impact of such crimes is not only felt locally. Nationally, vehicle thefts continue to be a persistent issue. According to data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), over 850,000 vehicles were stolen across the U.S. in 2024. While the total number of thefts showed a decrease of 16.7% from the previous year, the sheer volume of stolen vehicles remains a significant concern.
One of the key concerns highlighted by Sgt. Jomant is the increasing number of firearms being stolen from unlocked vehicles. He stressed that firearms left unattended in cars are not only a major security issue but can also be used to commit further crimes. “Every month, we have firearms stolen from unlocked vehicles, and those firearms can then be used in other crimes,” Jomant said, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In response to these growing concerns, Coral Springs Police are taking proactive steps to encourage residents to secure their vehicles and personal belongings. The department has laid out a simple set of guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of vehicle thefts and burglaries in the community. These steps are straightforward but highly effective in minimizing potential criminal activity.
The recommended actions include always locking your vehicle, removing your key fob from the car, and making sure that any valuables, including electronics and bags, are hidden or removed before arriving at your destination. Perhaps most critically, Coral Springs Police also urge residents to never leave firearms in their vehicles. Following these steps, Sgt. Jomant claims, could lead to a reduction in vehicle burglaries by up to 95%.
“If you follow these simple steps, vehicle burglaries in Coral Springs can be reduced by up to 95%,” he said, offering a hopeful outlook on the community’s ability to prevent such crimes. The Coral Springs Police Department is dedicated to working alongside residents to foster a safer environment by encouraging vigilance and promoting good security practices.
With the summer months in full swing, Coral Springs residents are encouraged to take these simple yet impactful steps to help protect their vehicles and reduce crime in their neighborhoods. By remaining aware of the risks and securing their property, they can help safeguard their belongings and contribute to the overall safety of the community.
