Pasco County deputies are investigating a string of smash and grab burglaries at local businesses.
The suspect – or suspects – haven't gotten away with much, but they left a trail of broken windows and cleanup expenses for business owners.
"They're taking whatever items are available whether it be cash, coins," Sheriff Chris Nocco said at a news conference on Thursday. "They're only in there for several minutes at the most, they're not spending a lot of time and they're getting out of there."
The burglaries started in January and happened between midnight and 6 a.m. at businesses in Port Richey and Hudson.
The latest ones happened last week at a hair salon and pet store in Hudson.
The break-in at new pet store Fancy Tails Exotic Pet Boutique happened the day before the store was scheduled to open for business for the first time. On a surveillance video, a man can be seen coming through the door and using a crow bar to try to open what turned out to be an empty cash box.
"It's just like, what goes through their head?" said Stephen Tippie, owner of Fancy Tails Exotic Pet Boutique. "I mean, you're costing me more money than I even would have had in my drawer."
Tippie said the break-in cost more than $200 between the cost of the broken glass on the door and the damaged cash box.
The store, which sells pet food as well as animals including reptiles and mice, was equipped with cameras. But Tippie says he plans to add even more security after the experience.
The detective working on the case said he believes one or two people are responsible for the burglaries. The sheriff's office released a suspect description of a white male age 30-45, 5-foot-nine to 6 feet tall and weighing 160 to 190 pounds.
The sheriff's office is looking for assistance from the public to identify those responsible.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:48:39 GMT
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million, lottery
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million, lottery
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:43 AM EDT2013-05-19 06:43:27 GMT
Ireland Nugent, the 2-year-old girl who lost her feet and part of her legs in a lawnmower accident, was invited by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Saturday to visit Winter the dolphin.
Ireland Nugent, the 2-year-old girl who lost her feet and part of her legs in a lawnmower accident, was invited by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Saturday to visit Winter the dolphin.
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:22 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:22:04 GMT
Dr. Reed, Dr. Pilon-Thomas and Dr. Sarnaik of Moffitt Cancer Center receive a check for $150,000 from Rob Shapiro and Jim Sirignano with Swim Across America - Tampa Bay.
Approximately 250 swimmers took to the water at Pier 60 Saturday in Clearwater Beach, in an effort to raise money for Moffitt Cancer Center Swimmers came from all over Tampa Bay.
Approximately 250 swimmers took to the water at Pier 60 Saturday in Clearwater Beach, in an effort to raise money for Moffitt Cancer Center Swimmers came from all over Tampa Bay.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:00:27 GMT
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
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Thursday, May 16 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:25:15 GMT
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
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Sunday, May 19 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:48:39 GMT
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million, lottery
It's all about the odds, and one single ticket in Zephyrhills, Florida has beaten them all by matching all the numbers to win the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million, lottery
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-08 03:00:20 GMT
If you are looking for love, there are a lot of different dating websites where you can post your profile. However, not everyone on those sites is being honest.
If you are looking for love, there are a lot of different dating websites where you can post your profile. However, not everyone on those sites is being honest.