Edward Franco
•1/28/2026
Masked burglars targeted cars in Arcadia, Florida, leaving residents concerned for their safety as the incidents were captured on security cameras.
Manuel Olguin said, "My wife sent me a text and a screenshot of guys in our front driveway trying to open up my truck and my wife's SUV." He added, "There's a lot of kids down the road... It's concerning, man, you know, because, you know, I'm sure like me and every other father in the neighborhood, you know, our main concern is our family."
The burglars, wearing face masks, hoodies, and gloves, were seen testing car door handles and moving from one house to another while families were inside.
Neighbors reported that the thieves stole valuables, including an e-bike, on North Fifteenth Avenue by East Maple Street. A barking dog eventually scared them off, with one burglar hiding inside a car.
Olguin advised, "It's not safe to leave their cars unlocked, their homes unlocked." The group was also seen more than three blocks away by NE Hickory Street, with their movements captured on camera. Arcadia police are still investigating the multiple reported incidents.
Olguin suggested, "I suggest everybody should have some type of security cameras in their homes for the same reason that if it happened here, where we think it's safe and there's no, you know, nothing going on like that, just. You never know. It's better safe than sorry."
Arcadia police remind residents along the Gulf Coast to always lock their car doors. Families in the area remain vigilant as the burglars are still at large.
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