Seminole residents taking action to end neighborhood burglaries

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County deputies have yet to make an arrest in a string of more than 20 home burglaries.

Thieves are targeting neighborhoods around Bear Lake, near state roads 434 and 436.

WFTV's Bianca Castro learned that some concerned residents trying to get the word out. But authorities said they are uncomfortable with some of the information neighbors are spreading.

Residents in the Seminole County neighborhood are anxious that no arrests have been made in a series of daytime burglaries.

Henry Steigerwald said his neighbor recently got hit.

"He went out just for a short while, got in his car and when he came back his back door, his sliding glass door was broken and they stole several things," said Steigerwald.

Since August, deputies said two-dozen home and car burglaries have been reported around in the area. Now some residents have put together a flyer, with details about the crimes and showing photos of suspects pointed out to them by deputies.

"This area needs more monitoring. Probably I should get more security for my house," said resident Betty Neale.   

Investigators asked WFTV not to show the suspect's photos. They said they are concerned it could hurt their investigation.
   
Residents said they believe the crooks are going door-to-door, passing out their own flyers, but that's when they're breaking into homes. They are in and out within minutes.

Residents said they are eager for an arrest, and hope neighbors will keep an eye out for the five people shown on the flyer.
 
"I think it may instill a little bit of fear, but I think it's good for people to be aware that it is going. It might encourage them to do a little bit more than they might otherwise do," said Steigerwald

The Sheriff's Office said they are aggressively investigating and have some strong leads.

WFTV