Cape Coral Police said a woman came home to find a candle burning inside her house, a stack of handwritten notes, and her valuable electronics and jewelry stolen.
Police arrested her ex-boyfriend Jon Eric Scharf, who they said has been harassing and threatening since they broke up in March. Police said he's left her seven voicemails and multiple text messages, some with threatening language.
Police said he stole more than $3,000 of her belongings.
"Knowing him, I wouldn't put it past him," neighbor Scott Marini said. "Eric is compulsive. He just does things without thinking."
"I'm thinking about doing some self-defense just in case he might come back because you never know," another neighbor said.
The break-in happened May 5th. Three days later, the victim told police she found all her stolen items in her garage.
Cape Coral Police said when it comes to stalking behavior, it's never too early to report it.
"Once the situation has gone to that first point where you consider it to be pushy and what would be expected of normal behavior, it's time to report it," Lt. Dana Coston said.
Scharf was arrested Tuesday -- 10 days after this incident. During those 10 days, neighbors said he's ridden by on his scooter multiple times.
"I'll start keeping an eye out for and see if I can help her. If there's any way I can help her out," Marnini said.
Scharf is facing burglary, grand theft, and stalking charges.
If you are ever in a situation where you feel you are being harassed or threatened, police say call them immediately.
