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Video: Bold Bandits Swipe Eight Cars From Tampa Lot

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TAMPA (CBSMiami) -- Cameras were rolling on a group of thieves who carried out a brazen burglary at a car dealership in Tampa.

On Friday, surveillance first showed two crooks smash through an office window, seemingly knowing exactly where to look for the box containing all of the keys to the vehicles on the lot.

Shortly after, a group of at least eight other thieves were seen hunting in the lot to match the keys with their cars.

"You always expect minor vandalism. And you realize eight was stolen, and 12 others damaged, it puts things in perspective," said Danny Halimi, who owns the dealership.

Eight cars were stolen and 14 others were damaged, including one used as a battering ram to open up a wider space in the middle of the lot, allowing an opportunity to get to the more expensive cars.

"Hindsight is always 20/20 but one of the major lessons we learned here is not to leave the car keys at the lot," said Halimi.

Police have recovered three of the cars, so far, they told him.

They believe the thieves may be linked to a crime group in Orlando.

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