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Rolls Of Lottery Tickets Stolen From Sweetbay

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By LISA A. DAVIS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 14, 2008

HOLIDAY - Pasco County sheriff's deputies are asking for the public's help in their investigation of a Florida Lottery scratch-off ticket box theft at a Sweetbay Supermarket.

Between 6 and 6:15 p.m. May 26, someone swiped the box from the counter of the store at 3406 U.S. 19, according to sheriff's officials.

The booty included rolls of Monopoly, Taxes Paid, Cash Bonanza and Mega Money scratch-off tickets.

Detectives think two males were working together, one as a lookout or decoy and another who took the ticket holder from the countertop.
Surveillance camera images show at least part of the theft.

The two thieves entered the store and loitered awhile at the Western Union counter at the front of the grocery, authorities said. At the counter, one of the two pried the clear-plastic lottery ticket box off the counter, put it in a shopping bag and walked out.

The store didn't notice the lottery box was missing until a customer asked for a ticket about 9:30 p.m.

The man who took the box was described as 25 to 30 years old, about 6 feet tall and 145 pounds, with a ponytail, mustache, goatee and glasses. He wore a red ball cap, gray T-shirt, dark sneakers and black shorts.

The second person was 15 to 18 years old, about 5-foot-7 and 145 pounds, with a medium build and blond hair. He wore a brown shirt with white script lettering, jeans and black sneakers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective George Rodriguez at 1-800-854-2862, ext. 7298.

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

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