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Police: Gun, cash stolen during car break-ins in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. — A gun was one of many items stolen during a rash of car burglaries in Clermont, police said.

The car break-ins happened as people were watching the Super Bowl at apartment complexes on 5th Street and in the parking lot of more than four restaurants on Highway 50.

The thieves smashed car windows and stole cash, purses, IDs and a gun, police said.

Resident Celina Cepeda realized someone broke into her ca after she noticed an unauthorized charge on her credit card.

“Really, just personal sensitive information. My purses, my wallet, my daughters’ information, my information,” she said.

Cepeda told police her Michael Kors purse was stolen, along with her W-2 forms and driver’s license.

She said a check from her job was also taken.

“I’m thinking they’re going to cash my check because they had my ID, they had my social and they have my check,” Cepeda said.

At a Sonny’s restaurant, the thieves broke a car window and only got a purse, which contained makeup inside, and then about a mile down the street at another restaurant, they broke a window to a car and stole $30 and a cup holder, police said.

Clermont police don’t believe the crimes are connected to car break-ins in Orange County.

At Florida Hospital on Sunday, nearly 50 cars were hit, and 70 cars were broken into Tuesday at apartment complexes in Altamonte Springs, police said.

Three were arrested in connections with the Orlando break-ins.

Clermont police said the thieves who targeted cars in Clermont likely don’t live in the city.

“Highway 50 is a very busy highway. Easy access, quick way out of town,” said Sgt. Shane Strickland, of the Clermont Police Department.