Crime up in quiet Avalon Park; HOAs beef up security

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Crime appears to be on the rise in the Avalon Park community in east Orange County.

Reports shoe 24 car burglaries, six commercial burglaries, 14 home burglaries and six stolen vehicles in the past month.

Several robberies were also reported.

Homeowners Associations are now warning residents to be careful and has hired four off-duty deputies to patrol certain neighborhoods.

Resident Stephanie Jones said she feels there’s a big reason why criminals choose Avalon Park to target.

“I think people think there's probably a little bit of affluence here. Nice neighborhoods [that are] well kept,” Jones said.

Most of the 54 reported incidents in Avalon Park were car break-ins and surrounding homeowner’s associations are warning residents to take proactive measures.

“I do things to protect myself and my home and my family,” said resident Keri Nola.

On top of the four off-duty Sheriff’s deputies, the community now has a safety coordinator who roams the roads to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

The off-duty deputies and safety coordinator are paid for with HOA dues.

Residents hope the efforts help keep criminals out of the area.

“I think you're probably getting a couple of people wanting to create mischief. One person in the area wandering around and causing trouble for people,” Jones said.

WFTV