PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - Vandals smashed the windows of more than a dozen cars parked at an apartment complex in Pembroke Pines, and police said the act was caught on camera.
According to Pembroke Pines Police, the incident happened in the parking lot Camden Portofino Apartments between 4:30 and 6 a.m. on Thursday.
Residents believe that upwards of 15 cars were smashed.
“It’s a gated community. Things like this shouldn’t be happening,” said a resident.
Michael Martinez is one of the victims who woke up to a smashed car window.
“This ruins the whole day,” said Martinez. “I gotta call my insurance, call the police, see when they will replace my window, especially if it’s gonna rain.”
Police said the vandals got away with items left inside some of the vehicles.
But surveillance camera footage from resident Stalin Fernandez has provided a clue for detectives.
Hernandez said he received a notification on his phone overnight.
“Two minutes later, I was checking what happened. That was the moment when I found the problem,” he said.
The video revealed three subjects as they approached a black SUV and began to smash the front window of the passenger side.
The trio are also seen from his doorbell camera walking past Fernandez’s porch.
The subjects hopped into the SUV to see what they could take from the vehicle. One of them is seen climbing halfway through the passenger door.
They then moved on to the next vehicle. Moments later, a speeding car could be seen fleeing the scene.
Fernandez said he found broken glass surrounding his car. He later found out how much it will cost to fix the damage.
“I called my insurance company. They told me at least $500,” he said.
“This is something that happens pretty often, but not to the grave extent of more than 15 cars in one night,” said a resident.
Another resident told 7News off camera that the break-ins have become a recurring trend in their neighborhood.
“It’s getting very, very scary, especially when you live here with your kids. You don’t know what’s next. The houses?” said the resident.
Martinez said he doesn’t understand why someone would do this, but he is one of the lucky ones whose items inside weren’t stolen.
“My own wallet, everything is still in there,” he said. “I don’t know what the point was; I don’t get it. There’s police all over this area. Why would you even try to risk it?”
Police continue to investigate this case.
If you have any information on this incident or the subjects’ whereabouts, call Pembroke Pines Police or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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