Crime & Safety

Thief Racks Up Nearly $12,000 in Credit Card Charges

The credit and debit cards were stolen from a woman's purse at Aston Gardens.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a little help finding a woman they say used stolen credit cards to go on a shopping spree around Tampa, ultimately racking up nearly $12,000 in charges.

The initial theft occurred between noon and 2 p.m. on Jan. 24 when someone stole three of the victim’s credit and debit cards and her driver’s license from her purse. The purse was sitting inside the woman’s office at Aston Gardens, 12951 W. Linebaugh Ave., according to a sheriff’s office media release.

The suspect than took the cards to six different stores on a shopping spree.

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According to the release, the suspect used the cards at the following locations:

  • Macy's - Westfield Citrus Park Mall
  • The Jewelry Exchange - 5411 Beaumont Center Blvd., Tampa
  • Nordstrom's - International Plaza
  • Best Buy
  • HH Gregg - 6250 Commerce Palms Drive
  • TGI Friday

A female suspect has been identified in the case thanks to surveillance video and photos. She is described as a woman between the age of 30 and 40 who is approximately 5 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 8 inches tall. The woman weighs between 140-165 pounds and has a medium build, black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a yellow blazer, red shirt, black sandals and dark pants.

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Deputies also say the woman may be driving a blue SUV.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200. Those wishing to be eligible for a cash reward can call  Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be reported anonymously online at www.crimestopperstb.com or by texting "CSTB plus your tip" to C-R-I-M-E-S (274637).


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