Tampa Chief Says Thieves Caught During Hurricane Aftermath Face Harsher Charges

During a press conference earlier this week Tampa police Chief Mary O’Connor said burglaries and thefts committed in the midst of the local state of emergency will have enhanced penalties.

“A burglary would normally be a second-degree felony, and it will be upgraded to a first-degree felony,” she said.

“I want to stress that we are protecting our businesses and homes from burglary and theft,” she added.

She also said that all suspects would be required to have a first appearance before bonding out, WFLA reports.

“That’s going to be delayed as the courts will be closed for the next couple of days,” she said.

“There will be a ton of police officers out there patrolling the communities and the neighborhoods,” Sgt. Roni Hill said.

https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/tampa-mayor-castor-to-provide-update-on-hurricane-ians-latest-track/