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By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 15, 2001
MADEIRA BEACH -- Someone has been knocking over parking meters and snatching them from a Madeira Beach parking lot during early morning hours, Pinellas sheriff's investigators say.
Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Greg Tita said the eight coin-operated meters likely disappeared between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. from the parking lot at 1400 Gulf Blvd. The first meters were discovered missing March 31, and two were reported stolen on April 10. Officials are investigating.
"What's unusual about this is the mere fact that (the suspects) may think they are only committing petty theft because the meters only hold about $100," Tita said. "But these meters are worth $1,500. Even if the meters were empty when they took them, it is considered grand theft because of what those meters are worth."
Tita said the thief may have used a truck or vehicle with a high bumper to bang the meters loose from their foundations. He said that more than one person could be involved because help may have been needed to remove the meters and place them in the back of a truck.
Sheriff's officials are asking anyone with information concerning these incidents to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.