Police Search for Suspects in Car Break-Ins

St. Petersburg police advise residents to secure belongs after rash of car thefts.

Posted Fri, Jul 25, 2014 at 5:59 pm ET|Updated Fri, Jul 25, 2014 at 6:01 pm ET

Police are advising residents to keep a look in one St. Petersburg neighborhood following an increase in thefts.

18 robberies have been reported in the Old Northeast Neighborhood of St. Pete since June 30.

The area is defined by police as 22nd Avenue North to 9th Avenue North, from 3rd Street to Tampa Bay.

All the thefts involved victims who left their car doors open, according to authorities.

Police strongly advise drivers parking in the area to always lock car doors, and to place valuables left in the vehicle secured in the trunk.

A video showing a car robbery of a similar nature was posted to YouTube by the department.

Anyone with information regarding the burglaries are encouraged to call the St. Petersburg police at 727-893-7780.

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