Crime & Safety

Burglars Target 7 Unlocked Cars in East Lake Woodlands

"They were most definitely crimes of opportunity," said Pinellas County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Cecilia Barreda.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is reminding people to lock their vehicles after a string of burglaries in the East Lake Woodlands subdivision.

"They were most definitely crimes of opportunity," said Pinellas County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Cecilia Barreda. 

The vehicles were all unlocked and were parked in the Laurel Oaks and Heatherwood subdivisions, which are located inside East Lake Woodlands.

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The vehicle burglaries happened the evening of Feb. 26 and the morning of Feb. 27. at the following locations-

  • 4 in the 1200 block of Clays Trail
  • 1 in the 100 block of Clays Trail
  • 1 in the 100 block of Lindsay Lane
  • 1 in the 1300 block of Fallsmead Court

Barreda says items that were stolen from vehicles included a GPS, sunglasses, school books and loose change.

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In an ironic coincidence, Barreda says community policing deputies had met with subdivision residents on Feb. 26 to discuss ways residents could prevent crimes in their community.

Barreda says people can prevent thefts by doing the following-

  • Make sure garage doors are shut
  • Lock your vehicle
  • Do not leave items of value in plain view inside your vehicle

Related-

  • East Lake 911 Calls
  • Pawn Shop Visit Lands East Lake Man in Jail
  • East Lake Residents Arrested

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