Sheriff Seeks Identities Of Jewelry Store Looters During Protests

TAMPA, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help to identify the looters who broke into Shalimar Jewelers during the civil unrest that occurred in north Tampa Saturday night.

The sheriff's office said the jewelry store at 7853 N. 56th St. in Tampa was broken into at 10:30 p.m. when peaceful protests earlier in the day turned violent and deputies were occupied trying to deescalate the situation.

The looters were able to get away with several thousands of dollars' worth of jewelry. Dozens of people were outside in the jewelry store parking lot when the looting took place.

Only one of the looters removed his face covering and was caught on surveillance cameras.

"Our deputies and staff are working very hard to protect the public while people peacefully protest," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "Instead, these suspects took advantage of the circumstances, burglarizing the store, and getting away with thousands of dollars' worth of jewelry. Business owners are already struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and now they are forced to deal with the consequences of people who are looting stores during this difficult time. This type of behavior is despicable and will not be tolerated here in Hillsborough County."

Anyone who can identify the looters should call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.

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