Reward Offered in Golf Cart Thefts

If you own a golf cart, you'd better make extra sure that it's secure.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a rash of golf cart thefts. According to the sheriff's office, 23 golf carts have been stolen since December, mostly in southeastern Hillsborough County.

As a result, Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the identity and arrest of those behind the thefts.

The sheriff's office said the thefts began Dec. 6 and have continued this month, with the most recent theft on Jan. 23.

The thefts amount to $25,000 to $35,000 worth of golf carts, said the sheriff's office. The average cost of a golf cart is about $2,500 to $7,000, depending on its condition.

Anyone with any information who wants to be eligible for a cash reward is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS(8477), report anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com , text "CSTB plus your tip" to 274637 (CRIMES) or send a mobile tip using the new "Tipsubmit Mobile" application, which is a free download for iPhones, iPads, and Droids.