Authorities in Lee County say they’re seeing a disturbing crime trend. Thieves are breaking-in to new homes and stealing appliances.
Lehigh Acres is the site of the worst break-ins. Authorities say so many homes are sprouting up in the fast-growing eastern part of the county, it’s not surprising thieves are targeting the area. Lee County Sheriff’s Sergeant Larry King says part of the problem stems from construction companies that are outfitting homes weeks before they’re ready to be sold.

“Homes that are not occupied as yet and about to be turned over to owners and then we end up someone going in and taking stoves, washers and dryers and things of that nature that have been placed.”

King spoke on Gulf Coast Live. He also blamed construction firms for relying on insurance companies to cover the losses instead of installing appliances closer to when prospective homebuyers might move in.