MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A Fort Lauderdale company’s rental truck was ransacked while on the job, and the company’s owner said the thief knew exactly where to look.
The thief managed to steal thousands of dollars from Convenient Wholesalers of America, and surveillance cameras were able to capture the whole scene, Tuesday afternoon.
Cameras were rolling as a man, who wore a black hat and shirt with khaki shorts, appears to be watching the company truck as it pulled into a parking spot off Ninth Street, just off Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, around 5:15 p.m.
That man waited for the opportune moment and walked up right to the cab of the rental truck, grabbed a small box with more than $2,000 in cash and checks inside and tucked it under his shirt before walking away.
“We put the papers, everything we have, sometimes we put it in safe deposit box, sometimes we put it in the back of the trucks,” said truck driver Mohammad Abdeddim.
Abdeddim said he tries his hardest to ensure his money is safe. “If I have safety box, and I have truck, and I have another helper, the last thing I need is police cars with me,” he said.
Abdeddim also said that while he is out a few thousand of dollars, he is happy he wasn’t in the truck at the time and that the situation didn’t get violent.
Miami Beach resident Mitch Novick said he’s disappointed to see a crime like this happen in broad daylight outside his home. “I see this stuff regularly,” he said. “It’s no surprise, and it’s wrong.”
He said criminals aren’t afraid to target unsuspecting victims anymore along Ocean Drive.
Miami Beach Police are now investigating this case.
The man was dropped off from a dark colored van at the nearby intersection a minute after the rental truck parked.
“It shouldn’t be happening at all,” Novick said. “I’m hoping the city cleans up this area once and for all.”
If you have any information on this crime or recognize that man in the video, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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