Sheriff’s detectives are investigating at least 21 vehicle burglaries that have taken place over the past two days in the neighborhood of Key Haven – in the vicinity of Stock Island - and on Lower Sugarloaf Key.
Detectives have two videos which indicate the crimes may have been committed by the same suspect. At least three vehicles were entered on Bougainvillea Avenue in Key Haven, with a purse and credit cards taken from one of the cars and nothing taken from the other two. Those crimes were reported to the Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday morning. Three more vehicles were entered on Tamarind Road on Sugarloaf Key and were also reported Wednesday morning.
This morning, the Sheriff’s Office received reports of vehicles on Labrisa Lane, Marlin Drive, Jamaica Lane and Sugarloaf Boulevard entered overnight. Detectives say at least 15 vehicles were entered and the suspect took loose change, a radar detector and sunglasses from those vehicles.
In all of these cases, the vehicles were left unlocked. In two cases, video surveillance captured the suspect committing the crimes. If you recognize the suspect and/or his vehiclecontact the Sheriff’s Office. Callers may also contact Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys. Tipsters can remain anonymous and, if a tip leads to an arrest in the case, the caller would be eligible for a cash reward. The Crime Stoppers hot line number is 1-800-346-TIPS. Tips may also be submitted on line at
www.tipsubmit.com or via a text message to 274637 using the keyword TIP136.
Remember to always lock your car doors. Most vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity and suspects will generally only enter those vehicles that are left unlocked. Also remove valuables from your vehicle – many times suspects choose vehicles based on items they can see visible inside.