Video shows smoke shop burglary in Bradenton, police say
A would-be thief smashed the front door of a Bradenton smoke shop early Wednesday but ran off empty-handed when the alarm went off, police said.
Bradenton police said they are searching for the man who broke into Beer, Wine and Smoke at 4240 Cortez Road West around 2:50 a.m.
Surveillance footage posted to the department’s social media account Wednesday appears to show a man wearing all black and carrying a black bag approach the business around 2:25 a.m., then leave. Police said he returned about 25 minutes later, shattered the glass at the front door and went straight for the register.
In the video, the man can be seen hopping over the counter and pulling and punching at the register before fleeing when the alarm sounded.
The man wore a black hoodie or jacket, black pants, white socks, a black face covering and gloves.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Lixa Moyett at lixa.moyett@bradentonpd.com or call 941-932-9300. Anonymous tips can be submitted at ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.
This story was originally published October 29, 2025 at 1:21 PM.
