Neighbors Help Nab Bicycle Burglars in Clearwater

Two men arrested and charged with burglary were caught shortly after the crime occurred because of the help from observant residents, according to Clearwater Police.

Gary Desart and Randy Wicker were seen by a neighbor leaving a house on the 2300 block of Hawthorne Drive on bicycles at 11:44 a.m. Tuesday, according to investigators.

When officers responded to the area, many other residents in the Woodgate of Countryside subdivision provided the suspects' direction of travel, according to police. 

"Residents in the area were instrumental in assisting officers with reporting the burglary in progress as well as the suspects' direction of travel and last known location," Elizabeth Watts, police spokeswoman, said in a release.

Officers established a perimeter, and a K-9 confirmed the suspects were still in the area. During the course of the search, officers checked a vacant home nearby and found Desart, 21, and Wicker, 31, hiding in the backyard patio area.

Officers recovered two bicycles that were stolen from the home on Hawthorne Drive, according to police.

The two men were taken into custody. Wicker was arrested and charged with burglary, loitering and prowling and petty theft, according to Clearwater Police.