The number of burglaries in two Bay County neighborhoods in a short time period is staggering. In the span of just a couple of weeks two dozen incidents have been reported.
Twenty four is an unlucky number for two quiet neighborhoods: North Shore and College Point.
"Thirteen years ago moved in," said College Point resident Steve Baxley. "We've had three kids and lived here the whole time and this is the first time anything has happened to us."
Steve Baxley recently became a victim of a string of burglaries in the area.
"I had as bunch of change in my console and my change was all gone," said Baxley.
"We didn't know it was robbed until he told us he didn't see his sunglasses or any of his change," said Baxley's son Nathan.
"One thing seems to be in common in all of the incident reports," said Bay County Sheriff's spokes person Ruth Corley. "With all the complaints that were filed, the vehicles are unlocked."
Baxley admits his car was unlocked. Like him, others have reported leaving garage doors open or don't remember locking their vehicles. Bikes, credit cards and purses have been stolen. Some have been found days later.
"I'd be unhappy if somebody took my bike," said Baxley's second son, Luke.
Bay County Sheriff's office says they have made arrests but it doesn't seem to be putting a stop to the problem.
"Criminal investigations have been assigned to these cases and they feel there has been a spike in this type of activity," said Corley.
As for Baxley he says that it has made him closer to his neighbors and he has started to take precautions.
"We kind of look out for each other and see what's happening in the neighborhood," said Baxley.
"Have you started to lock your car?"
"I have locked my truck since... Yea," said Baxley.
The Bay County Sheriff's Office says a number of different suspects have been described by victims. Some of those items taken have been found in the area. You can call the Sheriff's office to see what has been recovered.
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