A Marion County sheriff’s deputy was called to Country Oaks Veterinary Clinic in Summerfield on Tuesday afternoon after five vehicles were burglarized.
When the deputy arrived at the facility, located at 13938 S U.S. Highway 27/441 near Del Webb Spruce Creek, he was told that thieves had broken into five vehicles, all of which were owned by employees. Two had been left unlocked and three had broken windows, a sheriff’s office report states.
The owner of an unlocked 2016 Nissan pickup said his wallet, driver’s license and credit card were missing. And a woman who reported that her 2018 Buick also was unlocked said the thief took her debit card, credit cards and a black purse valued at $40.
The owner of a 2017 Honda with a broken window said she was missing a tan purse valued at $400 and a black wallet worth $100, as well as her driver’s license, Social Security card, car insurance card, cash and checkbooks, the report says.
Another car owner said the bandit smashed a window on her 2017 Nissan and took a purse containing cash, debit cards and a checkbook. And another woman, who’s 2018 Ford also had a broken window, reported the loss of a pink purse and her checkbook.
The veterinarian’s office issued a statement and apology on its Facebook page that read: “Today was a sad day at COVC. This afternoon we had 3 car windows busted and 5 employee cars broken into (in) a matter of seconds. We apologize to our clients if we were unable to answer phone calls on time, but we were outside with the police. This has been happening more often in our county and is very sad. Thank God everyone is safe, as it could’ve been worse. Please don’t leave any valuables in your vehicles.”
