Published: July 02, 2008 11:51 am      

Puppy query a ploy, say authorities

A Live Oak home was burglarized recently by three men, one a Wellborn resident, say authorities.

According to sheriff's reports, Michael Bristol, 51, of Golden, Colo. and Donald Edward Bristol, 43, of 19606 C.R. 137, Wellborn were seen running from 7762 CR 252 in Wellborn, while a Dodge Ram van driven by Ryan Carlys Acosta, 24, of Ft. White, pulled alongside the owners of the residence as they neared their driveway. The owners stated that Acosta asked them if they knew of someone selling puppies. Suspicious, one of the owners noted the license plate number of the van.

Taken from the residence were American and Canadian coins and currency, according to reports. The two Bristols gained entry through the back door by prying it open with an unknown object, say authorities.

All three were later stopped by Columbia County Sheriff's deputies after a (BOLO) be-on-the-lookout was issued.

Suwannee County Sheriff Tony Cameron reminded citizens that in hard economic times, burglaries and thefts rise.

"Anytime the economy is down, burglaries and thefts will be up and I encourage people of the county to lock up their possessions," he said.

Cameron advised residents not to leave items such as lawnmowers and tools outdoors.