Thieves steals gun from unlocked car in Wimauma

WIMAUMA (FOX 13) - A Wimauma homeowner is alerting the community to a group of thieves who stole a gun from an unlocked car parked on his property Sunday morning. 

Eric Gonzalez said his friend, who recently returned from military deployment, stayed the night, but forgot to lock his car.

A home surveillance camera recorded a man trying to open car doors parked in Gonzalez's driveway. 

Gonzalez's car was locked, but his friend's was not, and the thieves got away with a gun that was inside.

"He had his guard down and unfortunately this is the result of that," said Gonzalez of the serviceman.

Gonzalez said he and his friend recognize the theft was preventable, but they feel a moral obligation to alert the public.

"He felt horrible, I think it's the number one rule of anyone that owns a gun, and it's a constant reminder that you have to be vigilant and responsible," said Gonzalez.

Other valuable items inside the unlocked car, like a purse, and video games, were not stolen.

Gonzalez hopes that by sharing the surveillance video, someone may recognize the thieves, and contact law enforcement.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.