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Fifty-five birds in hand worth trip to jail for boys

Times Staff Writer
Published April 15, 2004

TAMPA - Three boys broke into a pet shop shortly after midnight Wednesday, according to Tampa police.

The three were caught as they left a pet shop at 3405 W Columbus Drive with 55 birds, a bird cage and a dog kennel - together worth nearly $1,200, according to police.

A witness called police after seeing the youths - 12, 14 and 15 years old - break into the business through the rear door. Officers got to the scene just as the teens were leaving, and arrested them on charges of burglary, said police spokesman Capt. Bob Guidara. The stolen merchandise was returned to the shop.

The Times is withholding the names of the suspects because of their ages.

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