Teen Thieves Caught After Video Recording Found In Stolen Car
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Four teens made a nearly three-minute long video showing themselves counting stolen cash, wearing stolen jewelry and sitting in a stolen car, Broward Sheriff's Office deputies said.
But that camcorder with the video was left behind in the stolen car after the four got into an accident in Fort Lauderdale.
"At some point after the burglaries, after the video was shot, one of the burglars drove that stolen video, with the stolen items in the back of it into the city of Ft. Lauderdale where he got into an accident. He fled the accident. It was a hit and run," said Broward Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Dani Moschella.
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Fort Lauderdale police officers recovered the items and tracked 18-year-old Machel Stevens and his three juvenile partners to residential burglaries in Boca Raton and Oakland Park.
Oakland Park resident Bruce Brown was one of the victims who came home to find their home had been broken into. Brown was appalled after seeing video of the teens counting money and wearing jewelry BSO said was stolen.
"They're just so brazen and stupid and so gloating that they had all this cash and they didn't earn that," said Brown.
BSO deputies said the video helped them recognize the bragging burglars.
The four were arrested and charged with burglary and grand theft, among other charges.
BSO detectives believe they have been active in the tri-county area, committing at least 25 residential burglaries, as well as stealing and burglarizing cars.
Anyone with additional information about these or any burglars can report anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Broward County at (954) 493-TIPS (8477).