A recent rash of burglaries in Flagler County led to dozens of guns ending up in the wrong hands.

  • More than 40 guns stolen from cars and homes in last couple years
  • Flagler County Sheriff's Office fears stolen guns make finding crooks more dangerous
  • Some victims left cars and homes unlocked

Sheriff Jim Manfre said more than 40 guns have been stolen from cars and homes during the past couple of years. The sheriff's office said investigators have only recovered a few of them.

But Manfre said in some cases, victims have left their cars and homes unlocked, which results in easy access for thieves. 

"Those firearms fall into people's hands who otherwise probably, legitimately couldn't get weapons. And then they're used in crimes," said Manfre.

Kelley Jones had just bought her first gun.

"It was unbelievable that it was stolen," said Jones. 

Crooks broke into her Palm Coast home Monday afternoon.

"They basically came in, made themselves at home, ransacked the house, took everything they could carry," said Jones.

She said the thieves took computers, TVs, watches, clothes and her Mercedes Benz.

Jones said she had been out of town for a few days and her brother-in-law was house-sitting. When he left, thieves broke in.

As for the gun, she said the thieves went through her drawers and stole her gun, but didn't touch the bullets or the cleaning kit inside the closet.

"They stole the gun fully-loaded. That's frightening. I would love for them to find the gun because I would hate for somebody to get hurt with my gun," said Jones.

Jones is just one of the latest victims.

Manfre said the stolen guns make tracking down the crooks even more dangerous.

"It's very scary. My job as the sheriff is to bring my people home safely. Those guns make it harder for me to do that," said Manfre. 

Jones said her home was locked when thieves took her gun, but now they are getting a new security system.

Not only would she like to have her stuff and her car back, but she said her main concern is recovering the gun.

"Who knows who's got that gun now, or what they're going to do with it," said Jones.

Sheriff Manfre said the agency doesn't believe the stolen guns cases have been connected. He said they've stepped up patrols in areas where they've seen recent car burglaries and thefts.

If you see something suspicious or know anything about Jones' case or any other case, you’re asked to call the sheriff’s office.