Be Smart & Lock Your Vehicle

This week as I commend the outstanding work of our detectives and deputies in a recent rash of vehicle break-ins in Deltona, I’ll also remind everyone how important it is to protect your vehicles so they’re not burglarized in the first place.

During the first weekend of September, detectives from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office were called to multiple locations in Deltona to help patrol deputies with a slew of vehicle break-ins. Multiple cars were entered, victims interviewed, and surveillance videos located by deputies and detectives, showing the car breaks and two male suspects.

Both suspects were wearing protective gloves and face coverings. Thanks to amazing technology–residential security cameras and License Plate Readers—we confirmed the same two men were breaking into vehicles and using a stolen Mercedes Benz passenger car from Ormond Beach to do it.

After much review, one suspect was identified, due to distinct tattoos on his face and neck. Our detectives, Deltona Crime Suppression Team, and various narcotics detectives worked together throughout the night checking addresses in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, and Bunnell.

Ultimately, we arrested Nicholas Coffey, 23, of Palm Coast. He’s charged with 11 car breaks, one attempted car break, violating probation for possessing a firearm by a convicted felon, and fraudulent use of a credit card. We’re continuing to investigate and seek the second suspect.

I’m incredibly proud of the tireless work by your VSO sworn men and women who made an arrest in these car breaks in mere hours. They are committed to solving crimes such as vehicle burglaries in which brash young punks are rifling through residents’ property while the owners sleep.

I’m tremendously thankful for their constant commitment to protect our community.
Here’s what YOU can do to help prevent crime at your house:

• Lock your vehicles. Every time. Take your keys with you. Of all the victims in that weekend rash of car burglaries, at least one female resident had locked one of her vehicles, preventing it from being ransacked.
• When you exit your car, take an extra moment to remove your valuables (electronics, purse/backpack, firearms, money) from plain view. Lessen criminals’ temptation for a crime of opportunity.
• Park in a lighted area or garage, or near other vehicles, if possible.

Avoid the headache of having to replace credit or ID cards if the wrong punk helps themselves to your stuff. Please, lock your vehicle doors and help us help you stay safe.

Stay smart,
Sheriff Chitwood