4 Teens Cuffed For 'Car-Hopping' Theft & Break-In Spree

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, CA – Four male teens from Hillsborough County were arrested in connection with multiple "car-hopping" crimes, nighttime thefts of vehicles or of loot found in vehicles, officials said today.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said the juveniles are responsible for numerous vehicle burglaries and auto thefts logged between Oct. 18 and Oct. 29 in the department's District IV portion of Hillsborough County.

"In each of these cases, the vehicles were left unlocked with valuables in plain view," deputies said. "The vehicle thefts occurred during nighttime sprees, referred to as 'car-hopping.' During these incidents, the juveniles walked down residential streets and attempted to open car doors. Once inside the vehicle, the juveniles stole a range of items and, if the keys were in the vehicle, the vehicle itself."

The agency said the youth were arrested for the following suspected crimes:

A 16-year-old from Wimauma, on seven counts burglary of a conveyance; two counts of grand theft of motor vehicle; two counts grand theft of a firearm; three counts grand theft third-degree; two counts of armed burglary of a conveyance; two counts of minor in possession of a firearm; three counts petit theft; several warrant charges. This individual has been arrested a total of 17 times for similar offenses, officials said.

A 17-year-old from Riverview on four counts of burglary of a conveyance; one count grand theft of motor vehicle; two counts armed burglary of a conveyance; two counts grand theft of firearm; one count grand theft third-degree; two counts of minor in possession of a firearm; two counts petit theft. This is the teen's third arrest for similar offenses since June, officials said.

A 16-year-old from Apollo Beach for one count of burglary of a conveyance.

A 17-year-old from Apollo Beach for one count of burglary of a conveyance and one count of grand theft of a motor vehicle.

"Car-hopping is a significant problem in south Hillsborough County due to the amount of large scale subdivisions creating easy opportunities for theft," the agency said. "This is further complicated by the number of citizens leaving their vehicles unlocked with keys, firearms and valuables left inside."

The following statistics were reported from Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office investigations into the arrests:

• Five stolen vehicles were believed to be tied to these suspects, including one vehicle from Pinellas County.
• Three firearms were taken from unlocked vehicles within the District IV area, none yet recovered.
• An unknown number of total vehicles were burglarized throughout the area. "It is believed many occurred, but less than 10 were reported," the department said.

Detectives reminded residents to lock vehicles, and for those who choose to not lock their cars, to remove any valuables, including miscellaneous paperwork that could result in identity theft.

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--Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch