ESTERO, Fla. -- Thieves who targeted a construction site at Gulf Coast Town Center has some concerned about security, Monday.
Police reports show thieves stole almost $30,000 worth of copper pipes, power tools and other materials some time between Friday and Saturday from the hotel construction site next to BJ's at the popular shopping spot. The large heist took many who work at the shopping center by surprise. "If I leave my truck unlocked, I'm not nervous things are going to go wrong so I'm pretty surprised to see a long list like that," said one mall employee. "JC Penny's has had a couple of thefts but overall, it's pretty safe out here."
Business owners tell Fox 4 having the crooks so close to home is a concern. "I didn't even know about it. I'm surprised as a business owner," said one man. "We have police in the area but we don't see them very often in this parking lot."
Mall management has not commented on the heist, but according barber Fidel Herrera, the Gulf Coast Town Center has excellent security. "Actually, throughout the day we see security traveling on a golf cart, or even on foot. Throughout the day I see them all the time."
