PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Surveillance video of the suspects.

Sheriff Mike Scott has warned residents to always keep their cars locked and to keep valuables out of sight. It’s the same message neighborhood watchers tell their residents in different neighborhoods.

Burglars will check quite often to see if a car is unlocked, according to officials. Sometimes they use flashlights and other times, they trek down the walkways late at night and look into cars that are parked outside instead in a garage.

The latest crime where car burglars are responsible for a series of thefts is in Gateway, just outside Lehigh.

Sgt. Scott Lineberger, a public information officer, said detectives hope a surveillance video will help them identify suspects responsible for a series of such burglaries last week.

On June 17, during the overnight hours, Lineberger said several unlocked vehicles were burglarized and in the process, a 2003 Toyota 4 Runner was stolen.

Video shows the suspects walking through the neighborhood, looking for unlocked vehicles on home driveways.

Detectives were in the process a few days ago working with their technical people to make a still out of the surveillance video to show a suspect looking or making an attempt to get inside a car outside a home in Gateway.

If you can identify the suspects or know anything about the burglaries, call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 477-1000. Or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.

Anonymous tips may also be made at: www.swflcrimestoppers.org, through the TipSubmit app or any iPhone or by texting CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.