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Unlocked Cars Are Easy Targets

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By LISA A. DAVIS

ldavis@tampatrib.com

Published: December 17, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL - They prey on motorists who leave their cars unlocked while they run in to a day care or school for just a couple of minutes.

But that's all it takes to open the door and swipe a purse, or anything else of value, said Pasco County Sheriff's Office spokesman Kevin Doll.

Pasco has seen some of these car burglaries in recent months, particularly at schools, after-school programs and day care facilities, Doll said. Detectives are investigating at least one organized theft ring that travels from town to town in Florida.
School resource officers and school officials have been warning parents of such thefts. Over the weekend, the district used the reverse 911 system to get the word out.

Once a purse or wallet is stolen, the owners quickly could become the victim of another crime.

"They could be using the credit card in minutes," Doll said.

Thieves also take GPS units, satellite radios, spare change and medications, and an unlocked car is an easy take.

"If they see something really worth it, they could smash the window," Doll said.

With its access to main roads and highways, Central Pasco probably has seen more of these burglaries than any other area in the county, Doll said.

In one case, Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the identification of a woman suspected of using a credit card stolen during a car burglary in Pasco.

The card was used at 9 p.m. Nov. 25 at Sweetbay Supermarket, 7095 W. Waters Ave., and again 30 minutes later at Wal-Mart, 7011 W. Waters Ave., both in Tampa.

The suspect is described as a black woman in her 30s, weighing more than 300 pounds with long black hair. She last was seen wearing a black nylon jacket with white stripes on the sleeves, black spandex pants, a black T-shirt with a large white logo on the front and white sneakers. She was carrying a large brown Coach purse.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477), go online to www.crimestopperstb.com and click on Give a Tip, or text C-R-I-M-E-S (274637), keyword Tip155.

Reporter Ronnie Blair contributed to this report. Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083.

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