'Clean-Cut' Thief Strikes Twice

Have you seen the "neatly dressed, clean-cut" man featured in a surveillance video shot outside the Beef 'O' Brady's restaurant in FishHawk? As decribed by deputies, he's the man sought for robberies at both the original Beef 'O' Brady's in Brandon and at the Beef's in Lithia, at the Shoppes of FishHawk, across the street from Newsome High School. 

According to a report from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the Brandon Beef's was struck July 5 at about 11:03 a.m., when the thief "pried open the money drawer on a gaming machine" and left with an undisclosed amount of money. 

On July 22, at about 11:05 a.m., the Beef's in FishHawk was robbed, by a thief who reportedly "pried open the coin-operated video game 'Copy Cat' in the rear of the restaurant." Again, the thief reportedly walked out with cash, having removed the coin box.

Released is surveillance video from the FishHawk location.

“Detectives reviewed the [Brandon] video and believe the [thief described] is responsible for both robberies,” said sheriff’s office spokesperson Debbie Carter. “He’s in and out [of both locations] in a matter of three or four minutes.”

The thief is described as a black male, in his mid-30's, about 6-foot to 6-foot-3, weighing in at about 180 pounds. In surveillance images he was seen wearing a gray, long-sleeved, button-down shirt; black long pants; and bright-white shoes. He is described as "neatly dressed, clean-cut and carrying a squared-off blue shoulder bag."

_____

Have a tip that can help detectives solve the case? 

• Call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.

• To be eligible for a cash reward, with information leading to an arrest, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).

• Report anonymously online Crime Stoppers Tampa Bay. Or, text "CSTB [plus your tip]" to C-R-I-M-E-S (274637).