TAMPA, Fla. — Manatee County has seen a significant increase in larceny and vehicle thefts, with an 8.4% rise in countywide larceny and a staggering 29.7% increase in vehicle thefts.

According to the sheriff's office, one of the reasons for this rise is because of people stealing items out of cars.

Lieutenant Brad Johnson, who has been with the sheriff's office for 16 years and works in District 3, has been out driving more due to the recent increase in car burglaries.

“I have a vested interest in trying to come out and try to make a difference every day,” he said.

During one of his calls, he assisted a deputy with a car burglary at a construction site where the car was unlocked with a rolled-down window.

Johnson also visited Summerwood, where six car burglaries occurred in one night, and firearms were stolen from one of the victim's vehicles.

Johnson suspects the rise in larceny and vehicle thefts may be due to the increasing number of people moving into the area and leaving their cars unlocked.

“There is so much growth that on a weekly basis," said Johnson. "There is another development that just started and we just don’t know there is just so much, but that’s good. We want people to come into the community.”

He advises residents to lock their cars and take their belongings out of their vehicles at night, which is one of the best ways to make it difficult for thieves.

Johnson also keeps an eye out for security cameras that can provide footage during investigations.

For instance, Homeowner's Associations (HOAs), may have their own camera system that captures cars going in and out of the community.

Despite the increase in crime, Johnson assures the community that the sheriff's office is taking action to address the situation.

Currently, a group of 20 people is in training, and after that, another 18-20 people will be entering Manatee County to help protect the community.