JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville police are trying to figure out who burglarized three cars Tuesday night in the LA fitness parking lot near Interstate 295.
The gym, which is off Lake Gray Boulevard, was hit between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wallets, purses, credit cards and cash were taken, and one woman said her wedding ring is also gone.
While there are lights around, there are many dark spots in the parking lot. One victim said when it’s busy, people have no choice but to park in the dark, and he thinks that creates a perfect spot for the thieves to work.
Ronnie Fanner loves LA Fitness but said after leaving the gym Tuesday night he has concerns.
“I was shocked," he said. "I got out and walked around and my whole passenger side window was pulled out and on the ground.”
Fanner said there was glass on his passenger seat, but the window wasn’t smashed in; it had been removed.He said his wallet was hidden in the console, but thinks the gym bag on the passenger floor enticed the burglar.
He said while this is a lesson learned, a lot of woman walk out to their cars alone, and he’s concerned for them.
“What if they walked out on the person who's doing it?" Fanner said. "You know what I'm saying? You don't know what could happen, so something has to be done.”
Over the last six months, eight cars have been broken into in the gym parking lot.
According to JSO incident reports, on Aug. 1 and 9, two cars were burglarized. Credit cards stolen on the first burglary were used at a Walgreens on Beach Boulevard, which had surveillance footage.
On Oct. 27 two more cars were burglarized.
On Dec. 7, a witness told police they saw a man break into the car and then jump into a silver four-door Volkswagen and take off.
The last three cars were burglarized Tuesday night.
The crooks got away with wallets, credit cards, cash, gift cards, gym bags and gear, cellphones, driver's licenses and a wedding ring. Fanner said he’d like to see security cameras and better lighting.
“I wish the best for the LA Fitness, and (to) the people doing this: Get a job, you know what I'm saying? Please stop taking stuff, because people work hard for their stuff.”
Fanner said he plans on only taking the essentials he needs into the gym and keeping them on him. He also said he plans on parking closer to the front door.