Four vehicle owners reported stolen purses and other missing items after vehicle break-ins June 30 at Cortez and Coquina beaches in Bradenton Beach.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department is investigating the incidents. Officers Devon Straight and Roy Joslin were the first responders to the break-ins — two at Coquina Beach and two at Cortez Beach.
At Coquina Beach, near the cafe, a purse left in the backseat of a vehicle was taken. According to the police report, the owner returned from the beach to find a broken window and the purse missing.
Straight was investigating and located another vehicle nearby with a broken window. The owner also said a purse in the backseat was missing.
The same day, Straight responded to the 1300 block of Gulf Drive at Cortez Beach, where the complainant said they spent about 20 minutes at the beach, returned to their vehicle and found a back window broken. An iPad and cellphone were taken.
Straight asked Manatee County sheriff’s deputies to help track the iPad. Deputies searched but did not locate the tablet or suspects.
The vehicle owner later informed the BBPD that they recovered their iPad and phone on the roadside.
Meanwhile, Roy responded to Cortez Beach for a vehicle burglary, where the owner and companion reported their purses missing from the backseat. They said the vehicle probably was unlocked.
The break-ins were turned over to the detective.
— Robert Anderson
