GADSDEN CO., Fla. (WTXL) -The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) is investigating a string of car burglaries and car thefts that took place on Monday, July 18, 2016 between 2am and 5am.
Video footage released Tuesday shows at least six people, possibly all men, who were caught on a home surveillance system burglarizing several vehicles, according to investigators.
They say they are also suspected of committing similar crimes in Leon County.
Officials add that the suspects appear to be young black men and with all the controversy surrounding black crime, black lives matter and police shootings; officials say they wanted to release the video in hopes to get these young men off the streets so that they can talk to them about making good choices.
"Its very important that these young men understand that they're putting themselves in a very dangerous situation. We as law enforcement when we are called upon we have to respond and it would be very sad to be put in a situation where they're on the other end of a bad situation so they need to understand that they need to stop this kind of behavior and activity", says Sergeant Angie Hightower.
GCSO is asking people to take anything of value out of their vehicles and to securely lock their vehicles when they leave them.
Anyone who recognizes the suspects is asked to call the GCSO at (850) 627-9233 or Big Bend Crime Stoppers at 850- 574-TIPS (8477). You may remain anonymous if you do not wish to disclose your identity.
