PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (WSVN) — Pembroke Pines residents walked outside their homes, Friday morning, to find their car windows shattered.
Residents from three areas of Pembroke Pines have been calling police to report their cars vandalized and belongings stolen.
Dozens of people in these neighborhoods woke up feeling sick and angry. "I feel sick. I feel absolutely sick," said car owner Tim Neeley. "I don’t know what to say. I feel depressed, like somebody sucker punched me."
One said some important financial items were stolen. "They broke into my car, and they stole some checks," said Quenessa Hester. "They stole pretty much whatever was in there. It’s ridiculous. We work too hard for our money."
According to police, at least three apartment complexes were affected by this string of overnight burglaries. "I go to work, drop off my son, and this is what I find," said resident Vladimir Obregon.
In one of the areas, resident Lily Martinez said even her Social Security card was taken. "I’m very upset because I got my Social taken," said Martinez. "I got my ID taken, my credit card, two seasonal passes for Busch Gardens."
Neighbors in at least four communities, including Harbour Cove, Camden Portofino, The Montage at City Center and Villas East are now dealing with the damages and losses. "You know, everyone’s car was broken into," said Neeley, "so, hopefully, they get fingerprints and find out who these people are."
Most of the communities have gates and security, but it wasn’t enough to stop the smash and dash. "I’m very upset because it’s not just my car, but everyone else’s car," Martinez said.
Pembroke Pines Police said at least 60 cars were broken into. They said detectives are working hard to find those behind the burglaries.
It’s not just fingerprints that could crack the case, but some residents said blood was found in their cars. It appears those behind the crimes cut themselves and could lead police to some DNA evidence. "It doesn’t feel good because you feel insecure of what’s happening," Obregon said.
Wallets and valuables were stolen from the hardworking residents who are now stuck with paying for new windows in addition to everything they lost. "I had to lose money on both ends," said one resident. "This kind of stuff shouldn’t be happening."
Neeley said he feels like things were turned upside down. "I feel like someone sucker punched me, is what I feel like," he said. "I feel absolutely sick. I don’t know what to say. I’m depressed."
If you have any information on these burglaries, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.