Cops: Suspects wanted in string of U-Haul thefts | News

Tampa, Florida-- Sadly, these days it seems everything comes down to the almighty dollar. A rash of U-Haul thefts has detectives in Hillsborough and Polk counties worried.  

In the last two months, 14 full-size trucks have been taken from mom and pop shops.  

One thing deputies do not believe they're used for? Terrorism. The specific vehicles stolen are the biggest in the fleet, 26-foot trucks worth $60,000 a piece.

"It's incredibly costly for businesses. We believe the people stealing U-Hauls are taking the trucks to chop shops," explained Cristal Bermudez-Nunez from the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office.

Stores all over the Bay Area from Seffner to Thonotosassa to Lakeland to Winter Haven are being ripped off in the overnight hours. Thieves are hot-wiring the trucks and taking off, leaving local business owners stranded.

Nader Astfanous owns the S & J gas station along US 92 and is trying to put his children through medical school. The father was crushed when one of the trucks was missing from his store.  

"I wish people knew that what they're doing hurts people. They've done this before," said Astfanous.  

Luckily, the U-Haul trucks are insured, but businesses are still suffering because the parking spaces from the U-Haul trucks are empty. 

The stores affected include Jigg's Junction Auto Repair in Plant City, P & N Food Mart in Dover, and AJs Food N Beverages in Thonotosassa.  

If you recognize trucks like the 26-foot U-Haul and they just don't look quite right, don't hesitate to give the cops a call. They want to stop the U-Haul thieves before they get to the chop shop,where cops say it's over in a matter of seconds and the parts are gone. 

You may also like...

Prostitute Roundup: 78 arrested in online sex sting

Sex blog: Tampa area school CFO busted over her dirty sex porn blog *warning, GRAPHIC*  

Sorry: Woman apologizes for flipping off judge

Nasty Nasty Dining: 10 of the nastiest restaurants in Tampa Bay in 2012

Cover Girl: Kate Upton back on the cover of Sports Illustrated

Cop of Love: Sheriff puts up Valentine's Day billboard

Faces of Meth: Before and After pictures

Take us with you: Download the 10 News app for your iPad

No sign of any ninja turtles: Alligator pulled from storm drain

Yowtch! Teen accidentally shoots off his penis, testicle

Shock Jock: DJ suspended for mocking woman with Down Syndrome

Bikini Photos: 2012 Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant

Not racist? Restaurant says 'How to catch an illegal immigrant' t-shirt is not racist 

Money Mondays: How you can search for unclaimed cash

Sex Offender Mugshots: Look up Florida Sex Offenders here

Bikinis, mud, trucks: The Redneck Yacht Club

Photos: Ex-Charlie Sheen Goddess Bree Olson

Naughty Schoolgirls: Naughty schoolgirl night at Tampa club pictures

Outrageous mug shot galleries...

Strange: Some of the most unusual mug shots we've seen

Notorious Women: Bad girls behind bars

Teachers: Teacher arrest mugshots

Celebrities: The rich and famous have their own booking photos

Jaw droppers: Open mouth mug shots

Laughers: What's so funny mug shots

Prostitutes: Prostitute mug shots

Athletes: Professional athlete mug shots 

Porn arrests: Child porn arrest mug shots 

Local Mugs: Hillsborough County Mug shots

More unusual mug shots and galleries: 10 News slideshows and galleries