Thieves target Polo store in Tampa Premium Outlets

LUTZ (FOX 13) - Security cameras were rolling last month as five men appear to case the Polo store inside the Tampa Premium Outlets.

It was 3:30 in the morning on July 29. When they saw the coast was clear, one of them broke the glass and unlocked the front door.

The thieves made off with $25,000 in stolen clothes.

It’s hardly the first time a store in the outlet center has fallen victim to thieves.

A couple weeks earlier, a shoplifter took nearly $300 worth of items from Tommy Hilfiger. Last year, back at the Polo store, a group of men broke in overnight and stole $16,000 worth of items.

Deputies aren’t sure if these, or any other cases are related.

The outlets sit just off I-75, making them a prime target for smash-and-grab crimes.

In a statement, the Tampa Premium Outlets told FOX 13:

"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and security of our shoppers. We utilize a variety of measures, both seen and unseen, and our management teams enjoy terrific working relationships with local law enforcement authorities to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who visits the mall."