FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - A wave of car break-ins has hit a Fort Lauderdale neighborhood, raising concerns among residents and prompting police to launch a full-scale investigation.
Fort Lauderdale Police units were dispatched to the 6800 block of Northwest 29th Avenue in reference to a burglarized vehicle, at around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday.
At the scene, officers learned that not one, but roughly 12 vehicles had been targeted.
The apparent burglaries spanned several blocks.
7News obtained surveillance video that shows a person next to a car. Shortly after, the car’s alarm begins to sound, its lights start flashing, and then the individual is seen running away.
One victim told 7News that the crook ravaged cars belonging to him and a family member.
“I ain’t even make it to work yet. Then I realized my car got broken into, and I’m like, ‘Bro, somebody broke into my car? Why is there glass on my seat?” said Billy Johnson. “I’m like, ‘Bro, all right.’ I went to work, came back, my mom’s car got broken into.”
Another victim had several important documents inside her car stolen.
“I had my passports, my social security card, my son passport, his social,” said Latisha Dukes.
Jah Wisk said he went outside to find two of his family’s cars broken into.
“I see my brother’s back window down, my mom’s back window down,” said Wisk.
For the several victims affected, it was a brutal way to start their day.
“We woke up this morning and come outside here to put a few things in the truck and take kids to school and I notice that my window’s broken,” said Julian Detwiler. “Glass everywhere, someone had rummaged through the truck.”
“People who work hard for their money and y’all want to come here and steal from us?” said Wisk.
“Got the rear driver-side window but didn’t take anything so that’s good but how am I going to get a window fixed here when I’m supposed to go on vacation today,” said Fred Harper.
Now they’re left to pick up the pieces, starting with having to pay for repairs they shouldn’t have to be dealing with.
“This right here, damage is gonna cost me $430 from one quote that I have,” said Dukes.
“It’s really disheartening living in a neighborhood here where your vehicles get broken into,” said Julian Detwiler.
Some residents were left fed up, hoping to pass a message to the thief.
“If you ever have a car, I hope somebody does this to you, too,” said Harper.
The burglaries remain under investigation.
If you have any information on these car break-ins or the subject or subjects involved, call 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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