Watch: Thief Makes Riding Lawn Mower Getaway

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater Police officers are no strangers to fielding grand theft auto calls. It’s not every day, however, they find themselves hot on the trail of a suspect in a grand theft riding lawn mower case. That is especially so when the suspect is accused of using the mower to make a brazen, broad daylight escape.

Police say that’s exactly what happened around 9:30 a.m. on May 18. The man detectives are looking for is accused of paying a visit to Quality Mowers, 2066 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., at that time and picking out a “ride.”

Surveillance video captured the crime in action. That video was released by police May 26 along with a request for help from the public to identify the man. The man on the video is seen walking around the property before taking off on a red Toro Z500 at a fairly speedy clip. The mower that was swiped has a black engine and is valued at $7,600, police say.

Authorities say lawn mower theft isn't exactly unheard of, but using a lawn mower as a getaway vehicle is rather unique.

Anyone who recognizes the man on the video or who has seen the ill-gotten mower is asked to call the police department at 727-562-4242 or email tips@myclearwater.com. Anonymous tips may also be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County at 1-800-873-TIPS.

Detectives say the man they are looking for is believed to be in his 30s to 40s. He was wearing a red baseball cap, black shorts and blue T-shirts at the time of the crime.

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Image via Shutterstock/Video courtesy of the Clearwater Police Department