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Sarasota News Leader April 26, 2013 Page 63 PEOPLE ALLEGEDLY IMPERSONATING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is urging residents to be cautious following a report early this week that a group of individuals impersonated law enforcement officers in north Sarasota. A Sarasota couple reported being pulled over early Saturday, April 20, near 17th Street and Dodge Avenue by someone in a black fourdoor sedan — possibly a Dodge Charger or Chevrolet Impala — with chrome rims and a red-and-blue light bar in the windshield, according to a report. The male victim was ordered to get on the ground, but when the female victim was ordered out of the car, she noticed scratches and damage to the front end of the supposed law enforcement vehicle and remarked that it was not a real police car, the report says. The suspects fled, the report adds. boots and black pants. They had two wooden stock shotguns and a gold semi-automatic handgun with a black grip, the report notes. Anyone with information on this crime, the suspects involved or the vehicle is encouraged to call Criminal Investigations at 861-4900; leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 366-TIPS (8477); go online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com; or text TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637). Motorists who are concerned about being pulled over by an unmarked vehicle should call 911 to let the call taker know what is going on, give their location and have the 911 call taker provide directions on what to do, a Sheriff's Office news release says. Staff at the 911 Call Center "can confirm if you are being The suspects are described as three black pulled over by a legitimate law enforcement males in their 20s or 30s wearing black shirts officer, and if you are not, dispatch units to with the word, "SHERIFF" on them, black that location immediately," the release adds. STRING OF BURGLARIES REPORTED IN THE ALTA VISTA AREA The Sarasota Police Department is investigating several burglaries that allegedly have occurred between the 2000 block and the 2500 block of Bay Street and in the 800 block of South Shade Avenue, which encompasses the Alta Vista neighborhood, the department has reported. "The burglars are entering unlocked homes and quietly taking items, so as not to disturb the sleeping homeowners," a news release says. Among the items reported stolen are laptops, jewelry, cash and homeowners' vehicles. One victim awoke to find two teenage black males with shaved heads in her bedroom, the release adds. "When she screamed, they ran," it notes. "It appears they stole a car from the area as well." The vehicle was left abandoned in the 2000 block of North Euclid Avenue, the release says. The Police Department is advising residents to lock all doors and windows of their homes at night and whenever they leave their houses. Anyone who sees anything suspicious or unusual is asked to call the Police Department at 316-1201, which is the non-emergency number. In case of an emergency, dial 911. Anyone with information about the burglary cases is urged to contact Det. K. Laster at the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 364-7327 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 366TIPS (8477).