Police: Increased Home, Auto Burglaries in New Tampa

Thieves are apparently targeting New Tampa.

Tampa Police emailed neighborhood watch leaders last week to warn residents about increases in residential and auto burglaries.

“In the last 2 weeks there have been 8 auto burglaries with similar MO’s in the New Tampa area,” according to a crime analysis by police. “It appears that they are occurring over the nighttime hours to unlocked vehicles and items in plain view have been removed.”

Everything from loose change and a laptop to jewelry has been reported stolen.

Homes are being hit, too. Since the beginning of the month, police said last week, 10 home burglaries have been reported.

“The majority of these offenses are occurring during the daytime, on weekdays, and entry is being forced by prying doors,” according to the crime analysis report. “In several of the cases the doors had been left unlocked.”

New Tampa residents would be best served by remaining vigilant and taking basic safety precautions such as locking their vehicles and homes.

Residents who see or hear anything suspicious are urged to call 9-1-1 or the police non-emergency line at 813-231-6130.

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See also:

• City of Tampa Crime Activity Map

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