Home security cameras captured a string of vehicle burglaries in a southwest Fort Worth neighborhood, leaving residents frustrated and concerned after thieves targeted unlocked vehicles in the early morning hours.

Ron Franklin was one of several victims who discovered their vehicles had been rummaged through in the Trails of Willow Creek neighborhood Saturday morning.

“I work hard for what I have,” Ron Franklin said, “Normally, it’s a pretty quiet neighborhood. People are friendly, good neighbors.”

Franklin said a neighbor alerted him to the crime.

“Somebody went through my tool bag, went through the back seat, and the front seat, both doors wide open,” Ron Franklin said.

According to Fort Worth police, several young suspects were seen walking through the neighborhood around 3 a.m., checking vehicle door handles to find cars that had been left unlocked. One of the suspects can be seen wearing a backpack.

“There were several individuals who were walking around in this neighborhood, and they were pulling on vehicles, door handles, to see if any of them were unlocked,” Officer Bradley Perez said.

Victims reported that wallets, cash, and electronics were stolen from multiple vehicles. WFAA has also learned that it wasn’t the first time the break-ins happened in the same subdivision. One victim shared that their family vehicle was burglarized on Wednesday.

Franklin said what concerned him most this time was seeing what appeared to be a firearm in the hands of one of the suspects. The video shows him casually carrying while in conversation with one of the other teens.

“One of them was carrying a gun. I thought it was his wallet, but yeah, it was an actual gun,” Ron Franklin said.

Police said the presence of a weapon increases the risk of a potentially deadly encounter if homeowners confront suspects during a crime.

“With homeowners feeling threatened at that time, if they happen to be armed. And then we’re talking about individuals, young individuals, that may lose their lives,” Officer Bradley Perez said.

Perez urges people to remove valuables from their vehicles, especially weapons, and always lock the doors. Both police and victims are urging parents to pay attention to where their children are and what they are doing during overnight hours.

“Keep an eye on your kids, know where they are and what they’re up to,” Ron Franklin said, “you must get involved.”

“Ask yourself, what is your child doing outside at 3:00 in the morning that is productive?” Officer Bradley Perez said.

Investigators are hoping someone recognizes the teens captured on surveillance video and comes forward with information that could help identify them.

Officer Bradley Perez said identifying the suspects could not only help solve the crimes but also provide an opportunity to steer the young people involved away from further criminal activity. Despite being a victim, Ron Franklin feels the same way.

“They’ve got to have a mentor or somebody to talk to. If you can’t be parents, maybe it’s another family member, somebody older, somebody with more experience,” said Ron Franklin, “I am pretty sure if they had a little guidance, they would probably make better decisions than this, because they look pretty young to me. That lifestyle only goes one direction.”

Anyone who recognizes the teenagers can call the 817-469-TIPS (8477). Police said tipsters can remain anonymous.