Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigates business burglaries

Kristen George, co-owner of D’Lites Shoppe in San Marco Plaza, said she never appreciated how important good security was until something bad happened. 

Luckily for her and her business, co-owner Zack Mestanick made sure the store was fitted with an alarm system and video surveillance, which caught burglars breaking into their store early Tuesday morning, May 10.

The alarm system notified law enforcement, however George said the burglars were in and out of the store in about five minutes. They used a sledgehammer to shatter the front door, and used it again to steal the store safe, which was bolted to the floor.

“The first couple of days were hard. We’re trying to be positive and move forward,” she said. “I never thought this would happen in Lakewood Ranch — especially not in San Marco.”

She was able to watch the burglary on video. George said they’re still assessing the damage done to their business.

“I don’t think they cared about healthy snacks — they didn’t take any of that,” she said.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for up to three suspects who allegedly burglarized six businesses last week.

Two suspects were caught on security cameras after smashing in business doors and windows to enter and take cash. The burglars targeted International Medical Lab, Domino’s Pizza and Michelangelo’s Pizza in Parrish Monday, May 9 between 5 and 6 a.m. Because of the nature of the crimes, the Sheriff’s Office suspects the same criminals are responsible for another set of burglaries Tuesday, May 10, in the early morning. The burglars again targeted several businesses closer together: DQ Grill and Chill on State Road 70 and Country Pancake House and D’Lites Shoppe in Lakewood Ranch.

“They used the same method for getting in,” said Dave Bristow, spokesman. “That’s why we think they’re related.”

Since last Monday and Tuesday morning, the only other break-in was at Sears in Bradenton Sunday night. However, Bristow said the Sheriff’s Office doesn’t think the Sears break-in is related. 

“This one was in town, these were closer to the interstate,” he said.  

Anyone with information on the burglaries can contact the Sheriff's Office at 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.