NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are searching for three thieves who broke into a lawn equipment company in North Miami Beach and took off with thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise.
Surveillance video captured the masked subjects attaching a chain to the front gate of the business. Moments later, they are seen yanking it down with a car.
“Ran in there and took all the high-end equipment,” said Mary Sunmey, the shop’s owner. “I’m like in shock.”
It all happened around 4 a.m., Friday, at Bob’s Lawnmowers Sales and Service, Inc., located on West Dixie Highway near 153rd Street. The family-owned business has been at its current location for over 50 years.
Sunmey said she got a call from their alarm company at around 4:30 a.m. and contacted police on her way to the store. “They jumped in the store, and they knew exactly what they wanted,” she said.
When Sunmey and her son arrived at the store, they noticed that the door was torn apart. They saw that a wall once filled with merchandise was completely empty and the cash register was gone.
According to the co-owner, who only wished to be identified as Joe, the crooks looked like they knew exactly what they were doing. “They target all small businesses for this,” he said. “Outdoor power equipment is like number one stolen in South Florida. I mean, lawn guys are here every day, so really getting hints, like it’s one of those things, man.”
Once inside, the crooks took off with chain saws, handheld blowers and hedge trimmers. The business estimates it lost about $10,000 worth of equipment. “The register is $3,500 on its own, but it could’ve been so much worse,” said Joe.
Joe said this is the fourth break-in they’ve had this year. Thieves have tried to break in through the back before, but this is the first time they actually made it inside the store, he said.
7News cameras captured contractors drilling holes in the business’ front doorway, then installing a new glass door. It’s one of Sunmey and Joe’s initial steps as they try to move forward after this latest break-in. “The fact that somebody came into your shop and robbed you like that, I mean, it’s the society we live in today,” said Joe.
Sunmey hopes police will locate the burglars and bring them to justice. “Hopefully, they’ll get ’em. I don’t know,” she said.
If you have any information on this burglary, 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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