Dash cam captures vehicle burglary after Fort Myers resident forgets to lock car

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Fort Myers police are investigating a vehicle burglary that was caught on camera after a resident left his car unlocked outside his home earlier this week.

The break-in occurred around 10:54 p.m. Monday in the Palm Lee Park area near the intersection of Winkler Avenue and Luverne Street, according to police. The suspect was captured on a dash camera rummaging through the vehicle’s center console before fleeing the area on a bicycle.

The victim, Haiden Hartmann, said the incident happened during the one time he forgot to lock his car — something he says he normally does every day.

“It was just a big invasion of my privacy,” Hartmann said.

Hartmann noticed his center console had been flipped open, something he said neither he nor his parents would ever leave that way. The console is where he typically keeps his wallet.

Among the items stolen were gift cards, cash and Hartmann’s student ID, he said.

Tesuspect, Hartmann’s vehicle was equipped with a dash camera that recorded the burglary. The video also captured the sound that caused the suspect to flee moments later.

Hartmann reported the incident to Fort Myers police and provided investigators with the footage, which he believes could help identify the suspect.

“I feel like if I didn’t have that video, I would be a lot more angry,” Hartmann said. “I feel a lot more closure because I can actually do something to help maybe catch this guy.”

Hartmann said he hopes others can learn from his mistake.

“Accidents happen, and you just have to be prepared for it,” he said.

Police remind residents that vehicle burglaries can often be prevented by locking doors and removing valuables from plain view.

Anyone with information about the suspect or suspicious activity in the area is urged to contact the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700 or submit a tip to SWFL Crime Stoppers.

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