Key Largo – Sheriff’s detectives are currently investigating a number of home and vehicle burglaries in the vicinity of the 100 mile marker in Key Largo that have been reported to the Sheriff’s Office between Saturday and Tuesday of this week.
Three of the residences burglarized were on Bay Drive; three were on Buttonwood Shores Drive; one was on Pointe Pleasant Drive. A vehicle was also burglarized on Buttonwood Avenue during the same time period. In most cases, people were at home sleeping when someone entered through an unlocked door or window. In one case, the suspect cut the screen on a porch to access an unlocked door. In another instance, he may have used a prying tool of some sort to force open a rear door. Purses, wallets, computers and other items were taken.
In one instance, the homeowner surprised the burglar in the act and chased him out of the house. He could only describe him as a black male, approximately 6’1” tall, 180-190 pounds wearing dark clothing.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind people to lock the doors on their cars and residences when they are not at home, and at night while they are sleeping. Also, make sure outside lights are turned on. Burglars typically like the dark and won’t risk committing a crime where they might be seen. Most of these crimes are crimes of opportunity and can be prevented by taking proper security precautions.
Anyone with information about these crimes should contact 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.