The first burglary was reported February 22nd on Plantation Shores Drive on Plantation Key. The house that was burglarized was under construction. Rods and reels were stored on the first floor of the residence. Someone entered the house and removed six reels from their rods. Fingerprints were lifted from the rods left behind and were sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for identification. The FDLE report came back, identifying 26 year old Steele Hancock as the person they belonged to. A warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of burglary and grand theft.
The second burglary was reported March 6th, to a house on Dolphin Road in Key Largo. The victim reported someone removed seven reels, two rods and several items of dive gear from his home. Detective Galvez reviewed pawn slips for pawn shops in the area. On April 4th, he found a number of the items stolen from the house had been pawned at Mother Ocean Key Largo pawn shop. They were pawned by Hancock. A warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of burglary, grand theft and dealing in stolen property.
Anyone who knows where Hancock is can receive a cash reward by calling Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys. Tipsters can remain anonymous. The Crime Stoppers hot line number is 1-800-346-TIPS. Tips may also be submitted on line at www.tipsubmit.com.