Before sunrise on April 17, a would-be car burglar in Lakeland’s Mikasuki neighborhood walked away with something far more serious than loose change: a firearm taken from a vehicle, according to deputies. The same person is believed to have tried to break into two cars in the area. The suspect was last seen in a hoodie, dark pants and white sneakers. Investigators have opened Polk County Sheriff’s Office case number 26-16168 and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Police Release Details, Ask For Tips
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, deputies were called around 4:30 a.m. on April 17 to the Mikasuki neighborhood off South Carter Road near County Road 540A. There, a suspect attempted to break into two vehicles and stole a firearm from one of them. The social media post lists Detective Calderin’s contact email ([email protected]) and phone number (863-499-2400) for tips and identifies the investigation as case 26-16168. The sheriff’s office also urged anyone who wants to remain anonymous to reach out to Heartland Crime Stoppers.
Pattern Of Break-Ins That Target Guns
The theft matches a pattern that law enforcement has flagged in south Lakeland, where groups have been accused of overnight vehicle burglaries focused on stealing firearms, local reporting shows. LkldNow has previously detailed multiple cases where investigators said suspects sought out cars specifically to grab weapons. Authorities say those earlier investigations highlight how quickly a stolen gun can move from a parked vehicle into the illegal market.
Why Stolen Guns Matter
National research has found that guns taken from parked cars are now one of the biggest sources of stolen firearms. A report from Everytown for Gun Safety concluded that at least one firearm is stolen from a car every nine minutes and that thefts from vehicles have climbed sharply in recent years, a trend that makes tracking weapons more difficult for investigators.
How To Report Tips And Protect Property
Anyone with information about the April 17 break-ins can contact Detective Calderin at [email protected] or by phone at 863-499-2400. Anonymous tips are eligible for cash rewards through Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477). Officers are again reminding residents to lock their vehicles, remove firearms and other valuables or secure weapons in tamper-proof safes, and to report suspicious activity right away.
