A string of car break-ins in two South Florida cities have residents on high alert. Now police are trying to figure out if the crimes are connected.
The incidents happened between 5:30 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. Saturday in neighboring communities. Several residents woke up to find their glove compartments were torn apart. The suspects even left behind items used to break in to the cars.
“It’s disturbing to get up to this kind of thing in the morning,” said Sean Taylor, a local resident.
“They went through the glove compartment and popped the trunk,” said a local resident who wishes to remain anonymous.
Residents were seen sweeping up shattered glass and speaking with detectives following the break-ins. Police confirmed a total of 25 cars and SUVs were vandalized, burglarized or both.
The 2700 block of Rock Island Road in Margate is one area that was targeted. The other apartment complex was Lighthouse Circle in Coconut Creek.
“This is a nice quiet area. So I’m extremely surprised,” said Marilyn Batiz, a resident.
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The suspects smashed in windows and stole personal items including an iPad.
Witnesses told Margate Police that the two or three men responsible were spotted running away from the scene, dressed in all black.
The concerned car owners say the suspects aren’t only stealing their possessions, but their sense of security.
“It’s not fair. This is going to cost me now,” said Batiz.
Anyone with information on these crimes are urged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.
