By JOE SEELIG

SEBRING — There have been seven victims of theft or burglary already reported to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office by individuals working for race teams in the paddock area at Sebring International Raceway.
Sheriff’s Deputy J.P. Fane said Wednesday the thefts, that totaled about $3,000 in cash along with some credit cards, were first reported about 9 a.m. Wednesday by members of about five race teams.

Fane reported that the sheriff’s office, which is in charge of security at the track, has already made some adjustments in its coverage, moving deputies from unmarked to marked patrol vehicles for higher visibility.
Fane said the race team crews were warned in advance to secure their areas.
“There have been several briefings in the paddock area,” Fane said.“We once again encourage everyone to secure their things.”
No break-ins were reported in connection to these crimes, he said.

“They just got busy and laid it down, and that was it,” Fane said.
While everyone in the paddock area has credentials that allow them into certain areas, those credentials to enter the paddock can be purchased.
“This is obviously someone who looks like he fits in,” Fane said. “And obviously he doesn’t raise a lot of suspicions with them.”
Fane said a similar rash of thefts happened at last year’s race. That is why the warnings to the teams were issued.
“We’re trying to tie this in to last year,” said Fane. “But it may just be someone working the circuit.”

Daytona reported a lot of similar thefts, he said.
No such crimes have been reported in the open public areas, he added.