Sheriff Seeks 'Armed, Dangerous' Car Thieves

CARROLLWOOD, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is seeking help identifying two men linked to a spree of vehicle thefts and burglaries in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

On June 13, two men stole a black BMW X6 out of Pinellas County, then used the vehicle to target multiple residential neighborhoods. The men were seen on home surveillance cameras opening the doors of unlocked vehicles and stealing belongings in the Lake Magdalene and Cordoba Ranch areas of Hillsborough County between June 15-24.

On June 22, the thieves also stole a 2020 Range Rover during their vehicle burglary spree, which was recovered in Clearwater that morning. There have been at least four firearms stolen during the vehicle burglaries, two of which have been recovered. The suspects are believed to be armed and dangerous.

One of the men is described as a white or Hispanic male with a tall, thin build, last seen wearing a gray hoodie, dark pants, a mask and gloves. The second man is an unknown race with a small frame. He was last seen wearing a blue hoodie, gray sweatpants, a mask and gloves. The men were last seen traveling in the stolen BMW X6 bearing the Florida license plate JFAV23.

“Knowing that guns have been stolen from some of these vehicles, identifying and locating these suspects is even more urgent. We do not want to see these weapons contributing to crime in our communities,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "Please, help us help you by locking your doors, taking valuable items inside or concealing them if you must leave them in your vehicle.”

Anyone who recognizes them or the car is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200 or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay to be eligible for a cash reward at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).