Oviedo Police were called to the Kingsbridge East neighborhood to investigate a daytime burglary which had occurred at a house where the garage door was left open. Because the garage door had been left open, it took the thieves only seconds to choose the house and commit the burglary and theft. However, the victim was able to provide the unique serial number of the stolen property to police, so the item quickly was entered by serial number into the crime database as stolen property. Only hours later, Winter Springs Police stopped a similar vehicle for a traffic violation. While talking with the driver the smell of marijuana was obvious and the occupants of the vehicle all were identified. One passenger had an active warrant out of Seminole County for Violation of Probation. A Stihl weed whacker in the vehicle was checked by serial number and it was determined to be the item stolen earlier that afternoon from Oviedo. Oviedo Police brought the witness to the location of the traffic stop and the second passenger in the vehicle was positively identified as the person who entered the open garage in Oviedo and stole the weed whacker. Following the investigation the three men were arrested, transported to the Seminole County Jail and booked on criminal charges that included burglary and larceny.

These men were caught and charged because the serial number of the stolen property had been recorded and immediately provided to police. Avoid becoming a victim yourself: KEEP YOUR GARAGE DOOR CLOSED when not in use and keep complete descriptions of valuables, especially their serial numbers, so thieves can be caught and your property can be returned to you. The arrestees’ vehicle contained other possibly stolen items including a weed eater, a leaf blower and a box of tools. If these items may have been stolen from you, call 407-971-5710. Do you know someone who is stealing from open garages or committing other crimes? You can be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 simply by calling CRIMELINE at 800-423-TIPS.

RELEASED BY: M. Beaulieu
AUTHORITY: Jeffrey Chudnow, Chief of Police