TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Police Department is searching for a suspect in a “bank fraud” case.
Judgment is a term used when a criminal waits for a victim to withdraw a large amount of money from a bank or ATM, then follows them to another location and robs them.
Beware of ‘bank fraud’ this tax season, police warn
In the latest case, police said the victim withdrew cash from a bank on Kennedy Boulevard on April 5 and then went to a nearby restaurant. The victim left the money in the center console of his vehicle, then the thief took the money when the victim entered the restaurant.
Police released video of the theft in progress.
“These criminals will sit in a bank and watch people leaving with bank envelopes, then they will follow them and look in the car to see if the envelope is still there, they will break into the car, like in This case, they will steal the money,” said Eddy Durkin of the Tampa Police Department.
Police said the suspect in this case may have committed the same crime in Houston, Texas.
“Our detectives and theirs believe this same suspect is involved in judgment cases there and now in the Tampa Bay area,” Durkin said.
‘I ran behind a tree’: Witness recalls chaos at Carrollwood Park where deputy was shot
Over the past four years, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Plant City Police Department have reported similar crimes involving different suspects.
Police said people need to be very aware of their surroundings when withdrawing large sums of money.
“Always be aware of your surroundings if you are taking a large amount of money. If it’s from inside or from an ATM, be aware of your surroundings, for example to see who is standing around. If you are unsure or see someone suspicious, call the police,” Durkin said.
For breaking news, weather, sports and streaming videos, visit WFLA.
yahoo
