Are You Missing Something? Items Stolen in Car Burglaries Recovered

News Report

Several wrist watches, a backpack, cellphones, electronic games, iPods and GPS units are among the items recovered by Hillsborough County sheriff's detectives following the arrest of four men.

According to Bloomingdale Community Service Officer Curtis Warren in his monthly report to the Bloomingdale Community Association, the burglars went through neighborhoods in December, January and February, pulling the handles of car doors until one opened. They then stole any valuables in the car.

Warren said, using this technique of "car hopping," burglars can hit 30 to 50 cars in a short time.

Two of the men were arrested in December when deputies responded to a call of suspicious activity near Crooked Stick Drive off Natures Way in Bloomingdale East. Arrested were Joseph Jossie, 19, and Demetri Sampson, 20. That arrest was followed by the apprehension of Immanuel Samah Wallace of Riverview, 22, who was charged with five counts of burglary in Kite Glen in FishHawk Ranch. Also arrested in connection with car burglaries in Heron Glen, Bridgewater and Vireo Ridge in FishHawk Ranch were Koby Coldinbg, 22, and Jessie Coburn, 21.

Anyone who had items stolen from his or her car during this time frame should check with the Bloomingdale Community Station on Erindale Drive at 813-635-8040.

Items include:

1. Several wrist watches and a pocket watch

2. A backpack

3. A matched set of portable DVD players

4. Electronics accessories including chargers and cables

5. Cellphones

6. Electronic games

7. Several GPS units

8. Several iPods

9. Flashlights

Those claiming items should be ready to give a detailed description of the item and proof of ownership.