DeLand, FL – Residents of Victoria Hills are asked to remain vigilant after surveillance video captured suspects attempting to break into vehicles early yesterday morning.

In the morning hours of February 14, 2026, security cameras recorded multiple suspects checking car doors throughout the neighborhood. The video shows individuals moving from vehicle to vehicle, testing door handles to find unlocked cars for easy targets.

The DeLand Police Department is reminding all residents to take these essential precautions:
- Lock Your Vehicles: Even if you’re just running inside for a minute, always lock your car doors. Most vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity involving unlocked vehicles.
- Remove All Valuables: Don’t leave anything visible inside your vehicle, including:
    ∙    Electronics (phones, tablets, GPS devices)
    ∙    Purses, wallets, or bags
    ∙    Firearms
    ∙    Packages or shopping bags
    ∙    Sunglasses, jewelry, or other accessories
- Use Your Trunk: If you must leave items in your vehicle, lock them in the trunk before you arrive at your destination. Thieves often watch parking areas to see what people are storing away.
- Install Security Lighting: Motion-activated lights around your driveway and parking areas can deter criminals.

If you see anyone walking through the neighborhood checking vehicles or acting suspiciously, call the DeLand Police Department immediately at the non-emergency number, or 9-1-1 if a crime is in progress.