NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – There's a neighborhood crime alert in Neptune Beach, where police are investigating a rash of vehicle license plate thefts that occurred over the weekend.
According to the Neptune Beach Police Department, 25 license plates were stolen from cars in 23 different locations in the residential community of Neptune by the Sea during the late-night to early-morning hours on Saturday and Sunday.
The thefts were reported west of Third Street, from struck west of Third Street, from Bay Street north to Cherry Street.
Police on Monday night released surveillance video that shows a young man taking a license plate off the back of a truck. Investigators said the man, who appears to be between 18-20 years old, is wanted for questioning in connection to the string of license plate thefts.
UNCUT: Surveillance video released by Neptune Beach police
Police said the man moved through the neighborhood quickly, using some sort of tool -- possibly a screw driver -- to take the tag off, and then sticking it in his backpack and heading to the next vehicle.
"We don't really have a reason as of right now," said Cmdr. Mike Key, with the Neptune Beach Police Department. "We're still investigating that."
Brian Haynes told News4Jax on Tuesday that he's not happy someone stole his daughter's license plate right out of his driveway.
"This is the only one they got, I think, because it was close to the road," Haynes said. "It was quick."
The night the tags were stolen, Haynes said, his wife spotted someone fitting the description of the young man seen in the video.
"She was driving around this corner and noticed this kid who had backpack, was walking in the middle of the street," Haynes said "She thought something was funny with him."
Now, Haynes said, they've got a makeshift tag until they can get to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Neptune Beach Police Department at 904-270-2413. To remain anonymous, contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
"If you see an individual that does not fit in your neighborhood at 3 in the morning, call the police immediately. Let us investigate," Key said. "You're not bothering us. It's our job and we are more than happy to go and investigate that."
Police said if your tag is stolen, file a police report. You can take that report, along with your license and registration, to the tax collector's office, and get another tag for free.