Thieves Steal Holiday Bike Fund From Alex's Bar-B-Q

For the past 13 years Alex Cook, owner of Carrollwood's Alex's Southern Style Bar-B-Q restaurant, has donated thousands of bikes to less fortunate children during the Christmas season.

This year, that may be more difficult since someone broke into his restaurant on Sunday and stole money set aside for the bike drive, according to the Tampa Tribune.

On Sunday morning, Cooks said, someone tossed a large rock through the business's glass front door, located at 5362 W. Village Dr., and stole between $500 and $1,000 from a donation jar.

Since 1999, the project has donated more than 13,000 bikes to children in Hillsborough County. Children in need are identified by school and community leaders.

The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office is investigating the case.

Meanwhile, customers took to Alex's Bar-B-Q Facebook Fan page to leave comments about the theft.

Johan Hernandez wrote "Wow, really. Why would someone do that? Whoever you are God is watching!"

"That's outrageous," wrote Ryan Warner. "I hope you all find them. You all should do a "back yard BBQ" style day to raise the money back from what was stolen. Best of luck and prosecute to the fullest."

You can read the complete Tampa Tribune article here.