Hurricane Frances brings out worst in some

Tuesday, May 9, 2006

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The Ramirez family was robbed during Frances.
Henry and Tracy Ramirez's home in Crystal Beach lost power during Hurricane Frances Friday night.

The couple did the smart thing and evacuated with their two young daughters, leaving behind thousands of dollars in lawn equipment.

The family owns a small repair shop and tried protecting the items as well as they could before leaving.

"We had several weed wackers, line trimmers, blowers, edgers, some chainsaws," said Henry.

When the Ramirez family returned, though, they learned they had been burglarized. Someone had swiped $8,000 in lawn equipment, then pried open a door to the house and stole $1,500 in cash and credit cards.

"I just pulled up and said, 'Oh my God,' " said Henry. "Just financially, the stress it is going to take to repay the companies for the stuff that is missing."

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, the Ramirez's home is the only reported burglary during Hurricane Frances, but that doesn't mean homeowners should let their guard down.

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About $8,000 in lawn equipment was stolen.

"If you have property that is unsecure, take it inside," said Sgt. Tim Goodman with the sheriff's office. "Put it in the garage, put it in the house, secure your house. That is the best you can do."

The sheriff's office is stressing that if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone and you are asked to leave, do not stay behind to protect personal property.

Deputies suggest if you have an outdoor shed that could be broken into by criminals during a storm, put an extra padlock on it just to be safe. If you are the victim of a theft during a storm, report it to authorities as quickly as possible.

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