The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is reminding residents to remove valuables from their vehicles and lock the doors following the arrest of two women early this morning.

A deputy on routine patrol spotted Casey Kane, DOB 11/9/91, 1687 Hyde Park Street, and Morgan Mento, 4845 Monte Vista Drive, both of Sarasota, breaking into a car on Mall Drive near Gulf Gate Estates at about 2:40 a.m. The women quickly crouched behind a Dodge Neon and then took off running in opposite directions. Kane was captured after a brief foot pursuit, and Mento, who drove away from the scene, was stopped a short time later and taken into custody.

The suspects stole a black Dell Laptop computer, two Florida driver’s licenses and an 18-pack of beer. A check book was left lying on the driver’s seat when their crime was interrupted. One of the suspects admitted they went to the apartment community specifically to check for unlocked vehicles and take whatever they could find.

Kane is charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance and Possession of Alcohol by a Person under 21. Mento is charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Conveyance. Both women have prior arrests for burglary and dealing in stolen property.

Residents can easily protect their property from this crime of opportunity by always locking vehicle doors and taking valuables such as purses, electronics and even loose change indoors.