A Cape Coral couple says their sense of safety has been shattered after discovering their garage had been broken into overnight. Mary Ellen and Robert Ney have lived in their home for 11 years and say they’ve never felt afraid in their neighborhood — until now.“This is very startling and very unexpected,” Mary Ellen said, explaining that they trusted the area because of its low crime rate.The couple woke up Wednesday morning to find the side door to their garage wide open and the chain lock broken. When Robert went to close it, he immediately realized items were missing. Boxes had been taken from the shelves, and the thieves got away with thousands of dollars’ worth of tools. They also rummaged through the couple’s car and took beer, wine, and food from a refrigerator inside the garage.One of the most painful losses for Robert was his limited-edition toy car collection, which he spent 25 years building. Each car was worth more than $100, and he said he had hoped to pass the collection down to his grandchildren.The couple says the most unsettling part is knowing the door leading from the garage into their home was unlocked during the break-in.“They could have walked right in this house — and God knows what,” Mary Ellen said.Detectives arrived to dust for fingerprints and check for any evidence left behind. A neighbor reported seeing a white truck outside around 4:30 a.m., and also saw a man throwing items into the Neys’ garbage cans, which were later stolen.Cape Coral police have not yet said whether they have suspects or have made any arrests in the burglary. We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
A Cape Coral couple says their sense of safety has been shattered after discovering their garage had been broken into overnight. Mary Ellen and Robert Ney have lived in their home for 11 years and say they’ve never felt afraid in their neighborhood — until now.
“This is very startling and very unexpected,” Mary Ellen said, explaining that they trusted the area because of its low crime rate.
The couple woke up Wednesday morning to find the side door to their garage wide open and the chain lock broken. When Robert went to close it, he immediately realized items were missing. Boxes had been taken from the shelves, and the thieves got away with thousands of dollars’ worth of tools. They also rummaged through the couple’s car and took beer, wine, and food from a refrigerator inside the garage.
One of the most painful losses for Robert was his limited-edition toy car collection, which he spent 25 years building. Each car was worth more than $100, and he said he had hoped to pass the collection down to his grandchildren.
The couple says the most unsettling part is knowing the door leading from the garage into their home was unlocked during the break-in.
“They could have walked right in this house — and God knows what,” Mary Ellen said.
Detectives arrived to dust for fingerprints and check for any evidence left behind. A neighbor reported seeing a white truck outside around 4:30 a.m., and also saw a man throwing items into the Neys’ garbage cans, which were later stolen.
Cape Coral police have not yet said whether they have suspects or have made any arrests in the burglary. We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.