Police investigate smash-n-grab burglaries in Lakeland | Crime

Lakeland, Florida -- Polk County Sheriff's deputies are searching for a group of people who are wanted in connection with two smash-n-grab burglaries in Lakeland.

Detectives say between 7 and 10 p.m. on Aug. 8, a vehicle's window was smashed and a purse was stolen outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the 5800 block of Lakeland Highlands Road. After the theft, deputies say four different cars filled up with gas at the Sunoco gas station in Bartow using the stolen credit cards. 

The suspects' vehicles are described as a white Jeep occupied by two black males; a gray 2-door car with tinted windows occupied by a white male and a black male; a red or orange car occupied by a black woman and a blue SUV with a gray trim that was occupied by a black male.

Detectives say two days before the theft at the church, a woman's car window was smashed and her purse was stolen outside George Jenkins High School during cheerleading practice. She was able to cancel her credit cards in time to avoid any fraudulent purchases.

Due to the close proximity of the two locations, detectives believe the same people may be responsible for both crimes.

The sheriff's office also says they believe the two incidents are related to a recent trend of vehicle burglaries in the state that the sheriff's office is assisting other agencies in the state.