Reported burglary turns out to be a case of misplaced items

Friday, Dec. 8

Suspicious callers

3:32 p.m., 4300 block of Falmouth Drive 

Signal 13i: A resident called for police support in regards to a strange phone call he received from people he plays online videogames with. He said they are friends and that no threats were made, he was just scared of the calls. 

Saturday, Dec. 9

Late-night partying 

11:53 p.m., 7100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Noise Complaints: Loud music playing late at night prompted police response. Upon arrival, an officer met with the rowdy resident, who was observed to be intoxicated. He complied with the officer’s request to turn off the music and was warned about the town’s noise ordinance. 

Sunday, Dec. 10 

Waiting on the water 

10:13 a.m., Buttonwood Harbor 

Boat-Miscellaneous: While on marine patrol, officers observed a sailing vessel that ran aground. The officers approached the two people on board, who said the boat ran aground the previous night and that they were waiting for high tide. One of the marine patrol officers notified commercial assistance on their behalf, but no marine unit assistance was necessary. 

Monday, Dec. 11

Mysterious orange ladder

2:52 p.m., 2100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Citizen Assist: Longboat Key Police were sent to a possible burglary. The responding officer met with a woman who explained she had been dropped off at the property and had two packages waiting for her. She took one of the packages up to her unit along with her purse and suitcase. After returning to the lobby to retrieve the second package, she returned to the unit to find the other belongings were missing. She mentioned an orange ladder that had since moved during the incident. The officer inquired about the ladder, which was found outside a different unit. The property manager said the ladder hadn’t been moved in a month. Upon entry of the unit with the orange ladder, the woman’s items were located. As it turns out, she had accidentally entered that unit, believing it to be hers. 

Tuesday, Dec. 12

Need to call an expert 

8:59 a.m., 600 block of Bayport Way

Citizen Assist: A resident returned home from out of town and was experiencing low pressure in the kitchen sink. She called police because she claimed the complex’s maintenance worker had been harassing her and she thought maybe he broke her sink while she was out of town. The officer did confirm there was lower pressure in the kitchen sink than in other parts of the house, but did not see signs of tampering. It was recommended that the complainant should have the situation assessed by a licensed plumber. 

Wednesday, Dec. 13 

Educating the public 

7:30 a.m., Beer Can Island 

Boat-Miscellaneous: A marine patrol officer was dispatched to speak with a resident. The officer called the resident who said a fishing vessel was operating near Beer Can Island inside the buoy line and in the “swim zone.” The complainant was informed that Longboat Key does not have designated swim zones. 

Spreading rumors

2:16 p.m., 600 block of Broadway Street

Signal 13i: An officer responded to a resident’s request for a phone call. During the conversation, the resident said another woman had been around her property before proceeding to local restaurants. According to the caller, this woman was telling staff at the restaurants that the caller was being kicked off the island. The officer was not able to locate the woman at the restaurants, and the caller was unable to provide contact information for her.