'Tis The Season For Stealing; Sheriff Searches For Thieves

CARROLLWOOD, FL — While greeting cards proclaim this the season of giving, law enforcement agencies are reminding residents that it's also the season for taking.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's detectives are searching for two women who teamed up to steal a shoppers's wallet at Publix, 13178 N. Dale Mabry Highway.

Just after 2 p.m. Nov. 23, a Publix patron was pushing a shopping cart through the grocery store when a woman approached her and started asking questions.

While the shopper was distracted, a second woman reached into her purse and stole her wallet.

The thieves have attempted to use the shopper's credit cards at the Best Buy at 126775 Citrus Plaza Drive and Target, 6295 W. Waters Ave. Both attempts were unsuccessful.

Anyone who recognizes the women in the surveillance video should call the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200 or, to be eligible for a cash reward, contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).