Winter Park police launch campaign to catch burglars

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Winter Park police said there have been 72 burglaries this year and six new car break-ins just over Thursday night.

Police are launching a new campaign going street to street and door to door, warning residents to be on high alert.

Patricia Barnwell came home to an unsettling warning on her quiet, upscale Winter Park street.

"Your area is currently experiencing an increase in daytime residential burglaries," Barnwell read from a flier.

Winter Park police have saturated neighborhoods and handed out nearly 1,000 fliers, asking residents to help them catch the crooks.

Barnwell said in 40 years, she has never experienced anything like what's been happening in her town.

Police said they believe several groups are behind the crimes and think some are from out of town, which is why catching the thieves is so hard.

They also think some are dressing up like businessmen and in medical scrubs to blend in.

Resident Glen Hohman said it is concerning.

"I don't know where they come from, I just hope they don't hang around too long," Hohman said.

WFTV