Open Door Made Burglary Easy, Deputies Say

A recent burglary in the northwest Hillsborough County area stands as a reminder to residents to keep their garage doors closed, the sheriff’s office said.

While deputies continue to search for the people responsible for the crime, the agency is sharing the message in hopes of preventing other residents from being victimized. The crime in question occurred around 7 a.m. Oct. 10 when burglars spotted an open garage door in the 9800 block of Tree Tops Lake Road, the sheriff’s office wrote in an email to media.

With such easy access, the burglars entered the garage and gained access to the victim’s vehicle. Once inside, they took the victim’s purse and GPS. The purse happened to contain credit cards that were later used at a Walmart store in Pinellas County, the sheriff’s office said.

“Sheriff David Gee would like to remind everyone to keep your garage door closed and lock for vehicles,” the email said.

Anyone who recognizes the suspects in the photo or who has information in the case is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-873-TIPS or by going online to www.crimestopperstb.com.

For more tips on protecting yourself against crime, visit the sheriff’s office online.

Surveillance photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office