National Guard patrolling Miami Shores after Irma break-ins

MIAMI SHORES, FLA. (WSVN) - The National Guard is helping police protect the streets of South Florida city after a municipal facility and even area homes were broken into before and during Hurricane Irma.

7News cameras captured National Guard troops on the ground offering support to Miami Shores Police officers, Tuesday.

Shores residents said it’s a sight for sore eyes. “It’s comforting. They’re here to handle the situation. Obviously, there’s a lot of things that are down,” said resident Cynthia Milack.

Troops were seen protecting the Miami Shores Public Works facility off Northwest 103rd Street. The facility is a storage space for police and city works vehicles. The city’s police chief made the call for backup after the facility was broken into.

But residents say that’s not all that’s happened. “On 96th Street, these guys with axes were breaking into houses, and Miami Shores Police caught them,” said Milack.

Troops were also spotted checking out the Miami Shores Publix supermarket and a car dealership in the Shores.

The extra eyes are intended to keep people safe. “They’re handling the situation, trying to see what’s going to happen,” said Milack.

The National Guard presence adds to a large presence already in place from Miami Shores Police.

A resident checkpoint station has also set up here in the city to protect residents and their property.

And, while only a few residents and businesses have power, the sight of the National Guard and Miami Shores Police has resident Daniel Padilla feeling safe enough to take a short nighttime stroll. “The fact that the National Guard made the effort to come here, it makes me feel more safe,” he said.

A curfew in Miami Shores, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., remains in effect until Thursday.

Since Irma started making its way through the region, Florida Gov. Rick Scott has called on 8,000 members of the National Guard to help throughout the state.

Trending