ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Town and Country Police are investigating following a string of car break-ins, including a car theft, in a quiet St. Louis County neighborhood early Monday.
Surveillance footage provided by neighbors shows it all happened just after midnight in the area of Roclare Lane off of Clayton Road.
The video shows four young men canvassing the neighborhood. They appeared to be wearing backpacks, coats, and gloves, walking through people’s yards and driveways. It also shows them checking door handles before ultimately stealing a vehicle.
A detective confirmed to FOX 2 Tuesday night that they have recovered a stolen vehicle involved in the early morning crime spree but couldn’t go into further detail.
Neighbor Emily Villa says the car—a Toyota Highlander—belongs to her 16-year-old daughter. They just got the car a week ago for her birthday.
“It’s a hard lesson to learn when you’re 16, but don’t leave your keys in your car, and don’t leave your car unlocked,” Villa said.
Neighbors said there was more footage they did not want to share out of fear it might interfere with the police investigation. Villa said she hopes these people are caught and that anyone who sees this story takes it as a word of caution.
“No matter where you are, just be cautious and do all the things you’re told to do,” Villa said. “Don’t leave your valuables in the car. Don’t leave your cars unlocked. Lock the doors to your house. I mean, these people seemed very brazen.”
Villa said while they’re troubled by the entire incident, her family is grateful nobody was hurt.
“Cars can be replaced; things can be replaced,” Villa said. “If all they got away with is my car, then I feel blessed.”