There are two reports of late-night intruders in homes in Anna Maria, on North Shore Drive and on Fern Street.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Paul Davis, head of the Anna Maria-substation, said that in response, he and his deputies have stepped up their patrols.
“We’ve had two reports of someone breaking-and-entering in two different homes,” Davis said. “We’re taking this very seriously.”
Davis said the first call came late night Nov. 18. The second incident was Nov. 20.
Deputies were on the scene both times within minutes, but found no one.
Complainants reported seeing a 5-foot-10-inch skinny male inside their homes. During both incidents, the residents awakened, saw a person and gave a shout, which caused the intruder to flee.
There were no reports of violence and no missing items.
“These are suspicious circumstances. We’re not ruling anything out,” said Davis.
Mayor Dan Murphy said, “It’s tourist season and we have a lot of visitors to Florida and to the island. It can’t hurt to be cautious.”
He asked people to make sure their properties are secure at night.
“Anna Maria’s crime rate is 34 percent lower now than it was last year,” Davis said. “We’re hoping to drive it down further by the end of the year.”
“Don’t hesitate to call 911,” Davis added.
— Tal Reeve