An investigation is underway after more than a dozen vehicles were broken into at Flagler County-area hotels overnight, deputies said.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said 18 vehicles were broken into while they were parked at two hotels during the overnight hours.

Five vehicles parked at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 200 Flagler Plaza Drive, and 13 vehicles parked at the Hampton Inn, located at 150 Flagler Plaza Drive, were burglarized. The windows were smashed on all of the vehicles, deputies said.  

Deputies found multiple clothing items and suitcases belonging to the victims dumped behind the Mobil gas station near the intersection of I-95 and State Road 100.

In addition, a 2014 Hyundai was stolen from the Holiday Inn Express and was later found abandoned in Volusia County. The vehicle had been involved in a crash and wasn't occupied when it was located, deputies said.

Flagler County detectives aren't sure at this time if the stolen vehicle is related to the burglary cases.

Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre reminds residents to take the following steps to avoid becoming a crime victim:

  • Take a few extra minutes to keep your vehicle locked.
  • Don't leave anything valuable in your vehicle. If you have to store valuables in your vehicle, lock them in the trunk completely out of sight.
  • Park in well-lighted areas close to the front of businesses where more people are likely to see if something suspicious occurs.
  • If you see something, say something by reporting suspicious activity to 911.

Anyone with information on the vehicle break-ins is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff's Office at 386-313-4911 or you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-TIPS (8477).