Heat Home Break-Ins Could Be Connected
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Miami Beach Police are investigating the possibility of a connection between a robbery at a Miami Heat player's home, and a burglary at his teammate's Broward home just a week and a half later.
A police report said Chris Bosh's Miami Beach home was robbed in early April, as he celebrated his birthday at a lavish party complete with camels and belly dancers.
Days later, Udonis Haslem's Southwest Ranches estate was burglarized, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.
"We're looking into the possibility because the M.O. is similar," Sgt. Bobby Hernandez with Miami Beach Police said. "We are working with them. We're trying to see if there was a connection. But there is a possibility there is a connection."
A police report showed hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of purses, watches, rings and cash were stolen from Bosh's home.
Investigators said there was no sign of forced entry into the home.
"It's not a good feeling," Bosh said at the time. "But you know, we have it set-up a certain way so we can get down to the bottom of it. We'll get there."
When Haslem's house was targeted, BSO deputies responded after the security alarm went off. The Heat player wasn't home.
According to the report, the alarm siren boxes mounted through the house were ripped off walls and there were pry marks on the safe inside Haslem's closet.
At the time, it appeared nothing had been taken.
"To me there's nothing worse than a thief," Haslem said in response to the break-in at Bosh's house. "It's unfortunate."
While the Heat try to steal the series from Chicago on Wednesday, investigators will keep trying to connect the dots.
"Right now, we're looking at evidence from both scenes and working with our partners at BSO to see if there's a connection between the two," Sgt. Hernandez said.
Anyone with information about either crime should call Crimestoppers. In Miami-Dade, the number is 305-471-TIPS. In Broward, the number is 954-493-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
