PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Detectives are searching for a person or people who broke into cars at a local park, stealing people’s valuables.
The crimes happened Sunday between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the playground parking lot inside JB Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey.
Detectives said the thief or thieves stole credit cards, cash, and other valuables from the cars. The crook(s) smashed a window to get into the six cars. Detectives said the crime is unusual because that is a busy area.
“Both of our purses were underneath the seat,” Emily Porter said.
Porter’s car was broken into and she said she learned her lesson.
“They literally just went in, grabbed the purses, and were gone,” Porter said.
According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, detectives are following leads. They have a person of interest they would like to speak to immediately and video of the car he was driving. Detectives said some of the stolen cards were used at Walmart in Tarpon Springs.
“For someone to go and break six windows and go unnoticed, you know, it is very unusual,” Detective David Garcia said.
Detective Garcia said they were checking with other agencies to determine whether this person or group of people are targeting other communities.
“We’re not sure if this is one of the typical crews we’ve dealt with before,” Detective Garcia said.
According to detectives, the crook(s) used a tool to break into the cars.
“They said there is some kind of tool that they just put up against the window it shatters it and they are in and out within seconds,” Porter said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
