Clearwater beach bag bandit accused of stealing $1350 in cash arrested near Pier 60: Police

CLEARWATER, Fla. - A man accused of stealing unattended bags on Clearwater Beach and removing more than $1,000 has been arrested. 

The backstory:

Clearwater police say Damien Klaben, of Melbourne, stole three unattended bags near Tower 2 on Clearwater Beach shortly after 3 p.m. on Wednesday. 

According to officers, he took the bags to a nearby location and went through the bags, removing a total of $1,350 cash combined from the three. Police said he left behind wallets, credit cards, phones, watches and other valuables.

READ: Convicted felon armed with rifle arrested after speeding away from police, crashing into Jeep: WHPD

Courtesy: Clearwater Police Department

Around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, police said they got multiple calls from people saying their beach bags were stolen. 

Officers swarmed the area and found Klaben near Pier 60. 

READ: Polk County deputy accused of stealing cash during traffic stop resigns after arrest

Courtesy: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

He was arrested and charged with multiple crimes. 

What they're saying:

In a post on social media, the police department wrote, "Whether you're at the beach, a sporting event, a concert or somewhere else in public, never leave your valuables unattended."