Burglar scolds homeowner who left loaded gun in unlocked car

A car burglar appears to have left what some might consider a public service message.

A 48-year-old man told Port St. Lucie police Tuesday he discovered his throwing knife, sheath, .40 caliber pistol and magazines missing from his 2003 Toyota Corolla, according to a police report.

He said he left his vehicle Monday in the driveway of his home. The car, he told police, was not locked.

As he walked up to his house after noticing the items missing, he saw a plastic bag with writing. The writing stated, "LOADED GUN Unlocked Car = STUPID!!" The bag's other side read, "LOTS OF Children in area."

The man saw his handgun and knife were inside, though 30 cartridges were missing.

Master Sgt. Frank Sabol, police spokesman, said the person responsible could face charges including armed burglary and theft.

Sabol recommended firearms owners secure their weapons inside their homes in a safe.

"Leaving your car door unlocked with a loaded weapon in there and a knife, it's just a recipe for disaster," Sabol said.

Sitting on a chair in his driveway, neighbor Melvin George, 76, said there are children in the area.

"I have my grandkids come by," George said. "Having a loaded gun is no good, no good. That guy should be spoken to."

For years, police have warned residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables.

"If you take away the opportunity and if you take away the items, then you pretty much eliminate the crime," Sabol said. "If the gun wasn't in the car, if the car was locked, then this crime wouldn't have occurred."