ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Some Orange County residents are worried not enough is being done to prevent car break-ins at a popular park.
Signs are posted through the parking lot of the Fort Gatlin Recreation Complex, reminding people not to leave valuables inside their vehicles.
But Maria Ruiz, a former WFTV videographer, didn’t leave valuables in her car, and it was broken into anyway. Someone smashed the window and stole a diaper bag.
“This was his favorite place to go to, and now, I feel like it’s not worth the risk to come here,” said Ruiz.
She and her 1-year-old son spent an hour in the pool at the center. When they got back to the car, the window was shattered.
“It’s not valuable. It’s a diaper bag. Who is going to take a diaper bag?” said Ruiz.
Orange County Parks and Recreations acknowledged there’s a problem.
A county spokesperson said they don’t track how many break-ins are reported at each of their more than 100 parks, but they said it’s a common, widespread issue.
Fort Gatlin, in particular, is targeted regularly, according to workers and some park goers.
Numbers from the Orange County Sheriff's Office show Ruiz is the fourth victim at the park in the last 3 weeks.
Last year, lifeguards started patrolling the parking lot when they weren’t watching the water because of the large number of break-ins.
An Orange County deputy drove through the area briefly Thursday.
County officials have said there are no plans to add cameras or any other security measures.
“You’ve got the tennis lessons. You’re got all the activities for kid. None of those are free,” Ruiz said. “The pool isn’t free. You should have money to protect us.”
Cox Media Group
