MIAMI LAKES, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are searching for two men who were caught on camera impersonating FBI agents during a Miami Lakes home invasion.
The incident occurred on Jan. 30 at around 12 p.m. when the two men arrived at the house, located in the area of Northwest 159th Terrace and 87th Court.
According to officials, when one victim opened the door, he noticed that one of the men was wearing a bulletproof vest with the letters “FBI” across the chest.
“It’s very, very difficult to obtain a specific police insignia,” said Miami-Dade Police Officer Angel Rodriguez. “You have to be identified by the police department, and you have to have identification with picture ID on it.”
The victim that opened the door, along with another victim inside of the house were forced inside one of the bathrooms while the two crooks took off with approximately $30,000 worth of jewelry and sports memorabilia.
“A lot of stuff really didn’t have no value. They were empty boxes of jewelry displays and stuff like that,” said homeowner Anthony Garcia. “I recently acquired another pawn shop, and that’s what it was.”
Garcia is now worried the duo will return.
“They’re like, ‘Oh, I didn’t get that much. I’ll go back tomorrow. I’ll catch him on another thing,'” said Garcia. “That’s what I’m scared of.”
Garcia was not at the residence during the incident. The two people that were forced into the bathroom were a contractor and a housekeeper.
“They were scared like anybody would be if you were forced against your will into the bathroom, you know what I’m saying?” said Garcia.
The victims were not injured during the home invasion.
“They came in and stole all the stuff. There was no way of stopping them until it already happened,” said one of the victims. “They just came straight in and walked straight out.”
“I’m scared. Very scared. We don’t trust right now,” added the other victim. “Every day, we are very scared.”
Garcia said he is now shaken up by the home invasion.
“I was super devastated because I feel violated. I feel like my home has been violated,” he said. “My wife right now, we haven’t been the same ever since that day. I have bitten my nails all the way to the end.”
Garcia said he hopes the clear surveillance footage will help in the search for the two crooks.
“Come forward and bring these people before they do it back to me or back to anybody else,” he said.
The thieves were seen driving a Chevrolet Silverado with a covered tag.
If someone knocks on your door, and you’re not sure if they’re law enforcement, ask for their ID or call 911 and request a uniformed officer.
If you have any information on this home invasion, 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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