Video: Homeowner confronts Lakewood Ranch car burglar

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (FOX 13) - A crime of opportunity led to a confrontation between a homeowner and a car burglar in Manatee County.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office released home surveillance video Wednesday that shows the homeowner walk outside to find a stranger going through his unlocked car.

“I guess he comes out [saying] ‘What are you doing?’ He’s got a cigarette in his mouth,” said neighbor Vin Mannix, reacting to the video.

Neighbors who live on 77th Terrace East were shocked by the sight that unfolded last Thursday. The video shows the homeowner try to trap the burglar then grab him and fight him. 

“I could’ve slammed the door on the guy and tackled him and tried to take him down,” said Mannix, explaining how he would have reacted the same way.

Another neighbor told us there has been a rash of recent car break-ins in the Country Palms development. So after finding out about this latest one, some neighbors changed their home security.

“By Saturday I added another camera, and I adjusted the Ring farther out so it can pick up any motion,” said neighbor Chris Niver.

It’s a good reminder for everyone to lock your car doors, so you don’t give criminals the chance.

“It can happen anywhere. You’ve just got to take your extra precautions and don’t keep nothing in your car,” said Niver. “I don’t keep nothing in my car worth value that they would want.”

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said the homeowner was hit in his face before the burglar ran off. Deputies are looking for the criminal, and they said nothing was stolen.