TAMPA, Fla – Tampa Police Detectives are working to arrest the suspects involved in auto thefts after noting an increasing trend of stolen luxury vehicles after valet parking.
The suspects have been spotted on surveillance cameras targeting unattended valet stands at restaurants and hotels, taking the keys, and stealing the vehicle from the parked location.
Five similar vehicle thefts have taken place in Tampa with vehicles including a Land Rover, a Lamborghini, and a Mercedes-Benz. Investigators are currently working to locate and recover the vehicles.
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Tampa Police have been proactively informing local businesses of this auto theft trend to improve awareness and decrease the opportunity for additional thefts.
To minimize the number of stolen vehicles, businesses that offer valet service are encouraged to ensure valet stands are never left unattended.
For customers utilizing valet, before leaving your vehicle, ask the valet service if the keys are stored in a secure area and if an additional attendant is assigned to the stand that is not responsible for retrieving vehicles.
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As detectives continue their investigations, they also ask the public to be vigilant when valet parking their vehicles.
Anyone with information that could help identify the suspects are encouraged to call Tampa PD at 813-231-6130 or submit tips via Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS (8477) or Tip 411.
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