Broward Car Bandits Caught On Camera
CORAL SPRINGS (CBS4) - Coral Springs police are asking for the public's help in identifying two people who they suspect have been burglarizing cars in Broward for nearly a decade.
It was just before the holidays when a burglar smashed out Dora's window as she visited a friend in Coral Springs.
"The glass was all over the seat," Dora told CBS4 as she pointed across the passenger seat.
Dora didn't want to use her last name but told us what happened in December when a thief stole her briefcase with nearly $4,000 in gift cards right in her friend's driveway.
"We work hard for our money and to have something like this happen. You know you feel violated," Dora said.
The thief went on a holiday shopping spree in 17 stores at the Sawgrass Mills mall. And despite Dora's detailed information cops closed the case when they could not find any good video of the thief spending the money.
"It was very upsetting," Dora said.
But now, Coral Springs police have reopened Dora's case and a series of others after the burglar struck again, breaking into a car, stealing the credit cards. This time his face was caught on camera crystal clear, at an ATM. And Tuesday police released surveillance pictures of the couple.
Police say the man gets into the vehicles through either an unlocked door or by smashing a window. They then steal purses, wallets, briefcases and bags to get credit and ATM cards.
They then use the cards at numerous locations in Dade and Broward including Publix stores, malls, gas stations and bank ATM's.
"Sometimes people get greedy," said Coral Springs Police Lieutenant Joe McHugh. "Obviously he hasn't been caught so obviously greed is now playing an important part of his mindset. He thinks he can continuously get away with it."
Police believe the pictures will bring his lucky streak to an end.
"I hope so because we have a lot of innocent victims out there," Lt. McHugh said. "You know people working extremely hard for their money, especially in this economy, and to get someone to do that to them they feel violated."
Dora is fairly confident she won't see her gift cards back; but she says hopes this serial burglar will be off the streets soon after a nine year run.
Anyone who can help police identify the couple is urged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
