We’d like to offer a huge word of thanks to several law enforcement agencies that are working together to combat golf cart thefts in our community.
In case you aren’t aware of it, two agencies, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and the Tavares Police Department, recently teamed up to bust a nasty golf cart theft ring that was beginning to wreak havoc on Villagers.
The suspects were caught on a video surveillance camera at the Waterfront Inn at Lake Sumter Landing.
That led law enforcement to a home in Tavares, where the golf cart stolen from the Waterfront Inn was discovered. And to make it even better, a golf cart that was stolen in October from World of Beer at Brownwood Paddock Square was located at a nearby house.
One of the great things about the way this bust took place is the fact that several law enforcement agencies worked together to make it happen. The Tavares Police Department assisted the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office in obtaining and serving the search warrant on the property that’s located at 107 E. Ruby Street. And both the Wildwood Police Department and the Lady Police Department were involved because the golf carts were taken from Brownwood and Spanish Springs Town Square.
For Villagers, it quickly became obvious earlier this month that disappearing golf carts were becoming a problem. Villages-News.com first reported the thefts on Nov. 4 after learning that gas-powered Yamaha golf carts were being targeted. In fact, carts had been stolen from Colony Plaza, the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market at Sarasota Plaza on County Road 466A and Brownwood Paddock Square. And Village Kart Aide, the roadside rescue service for golf carts, reported that six of its customers’ Yamaha golf carts had been targeted in the past month.
Not surprisingly, the raid on the Ruby Street property shed new light on the case. Deputies found an enclosed trailer that had been used to grab the golf cart at the Waterfront Inn. That trailer had been reported stolen in Lady Lake the previous weekend. And investigators believe they found the drill bit that was used to bypass the golf carts’ ignitions during the thefts.
One man, Robey Kyle Jones, was arrested at the house and booked into the Lake County Jail. The 38-year-old was later released after posting $4,000 bond.
That raid also led law enforcement officials to issue an arrest warrant for a second man believed to be connected with the thefts. Morgan Troy Durrance, 23, is facing a charge of grand theft and is being sought by law enforcement across the state.
The good news here is that Villagers can take solace in knowing that this golf cart ring has been nailed. But the other side of the coin is that all golf cart owners must continue to take precautions.
For instance, it’s a good idea to store golf carts in locked garages if at all possible. Anti-theft devices like pedal or steering wheel locks clearly deter thieves. And there’s theft recovery devices and aftermarket starter switches with unique keys available, since most electric cart manufacturers use the same key from cart to cart.
Another thing Villagers should keep in mind is that this investigation is far from over. Durrance is still being sought. And many law enforcement jurisdictions are committed to working together on this issue – one that has created consternation among Villagers and has left some afraid to park their golf carts at area restaurants or the town squares for nightly entertainment.
As it stands now, the Tavares Police Department has jurisdiction of the continuing golf cart chop shop investigation. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with Tavares police to pursue the location of other stolen carts or components. And the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is maintaining communication with all affected law enforcement agencies and will coordinate investigatory efforts.
The sheriff’s office also is asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information regarding these thefts should contact Detective Justin Street at (352) 569-1600. Additionally, anyone who knows the location of Durrance is encouraged to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, their local law enforcement agency or Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477).
As we said earlier, we applaud every law enforcement agency, deputy and officer who is involved in solving and putting an end to this annoying rash of golf cart thefts. In our book, there aren’t many things worse than a thief. And we are doubly disgusted by the fact that these criminals set their sights on folks who have worked extremely hard to enjoy the best years of their lives right here in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
Hopefully, no more Villagers will face the headache of coming out of a local restaurant or business to find their preferred mode of transportation missing. We have faith that that will happen. Because if you ask us, it’s quite obvious that law enforcement here is sick and tired of this nonsense and plans to continue doing something about it.
