FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | Erin.Maloney@sao13th.com
TAMPA, FL (October 2, 2024) — As our community continues to rebound from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, it is important to remember that thieves often take advantage of disaster victims during times of crisis. State Attorney Suzy Lopez is reminding everyone that criminals can face enhanced charges for certain offenses while our community remains under a state of emergency. (Video here)
For example, crimes including theft, burglary, robbery, and grand theft can be enhanced by one degree if committed in specific circumstances during a state of emergency. That means a misdemeanor can be upgraded to a felony, while felonies can be enhanced by one degree.
Our office has received reports from local law enforcement partners about people stealing items from the yards of storm victims. Residents are leaving furniture and other belongings outside to dry while home repairs are finished. Unfortunately, thieves have taken advantage in some of the hardest hit areas. While our partners at the Tampa Police Department have increased patrols to combat this behavior, we want the community to know we take these crimes very seriously.
“It is disheartening to see thieves preying on vulnerable people who have lost everything during Hurricane Helene. Our prosecutors will hold these criminals accountable as we work together to lift our community up following one of the worst disasters our county has ever seen,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
If residents choose to leave items outside of their home during repairs, try to place them as far away from the curb as possible. In some instances, belongings can be mistaken for materials placed out for trash pickup. If you want to report someone stealing, contact the Tampa Police Non-Emergency Line at 813-231-6130 or the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Line at 813-247-8200. As always, call 911 in an emergency.
State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:
- Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
- Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
- Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO