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Car burglaries increase during coronavirus pandemic in Palm Beach County

State attorney reminds resident to lock car doors
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Posted at 5:12 PM, Apr 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-06 17:33:40-04

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. - Coronavirus isn’t just affecting our health. It’s also affecting area crime rates.

According to Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg, car burglaries are the latest crime to spike in relation to the coronavirus pandemic.

RELATED: Burglaries increase in Palm Beach County during coronavirus, state attorney says

“We have seen a lot of car burglaries occur, not when people smash through the windows, but when burglars lift the handle and the door is open,” Aronberg told Contact 5 investigator Merris Badcock. “We’re advising people to make sure that their car doors remain locked.”

Aronberg is also reminding folks not to leave guns inside their cars, whether locked or unlocked, since they are often stolen if found by thieves.

“We have even seen car burglaries inside locked garages,” he said. “Even if you have a car inside a garage, make sure the car doors are locked, not just the front door of the garage. Make sure your valuables [are out], and the keys especially should not be left inside the car.”