Thieves Break Into Cars Parked At Weston Gym
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WESTON (CBSMiami) – Broward authorities are searching for four people captured on security cameras breaking into cars and stealing valuable items worth thousands of dollars in a Weston parking lot.
Karen Faircloth, who was one of the victims, told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "This made me nervous. I didn't want to go out in public. They have my identity. They took my drivers license. They were watching me. You live somewhere that you think is safe and this happens."
"I feel violated," she said. "I didn't leave my house keys in my car but it bothers me that they have my drivers license. They smashed my front window on my Jeep Cherokee and they went into the side over there where I put my purse in the floorboard. They actually dove into my car. I hope they get caught and I will definitely not leave my purse in my car again."
Faircloth said she had more items than normal with her because it was the night after Christmas. A police report said she lost a purse, wallet, a Macy's gift card, cash and expensive sunglasses as well as her driver's license.
Surveillance showed the four thieves, in a white Kia Optima with dark tints, back into a parking space outside of a gym at 1440 North Park Drive just after 8 p.m. last December 26th.
In an effort to hide their activity, all four individuals then opened their car doors wide and smashed the windows of the cars parked on both sides.
Broward Sheriffs Office spokeswoman Gina Carter said, "They used their car doors and opened them in a synchronized manner to block the view from the cameras. They had been circling around looking for victims. Once they found the victims, they backed their car in and broke into vehicles on both sides."
Two other women who were in the same car lost expensive purses, a wallet, a credit card, a house key, a car key and expensive sunglasses. BSO said they had placed their purses on the floor behind the passenger seat and went inside the gym.
Cater said, "They seem to be looking for gyms where women leave their valuables in their cars. We always tell people to never leave items there, especially valuables. Always take them with you. If you can't, put them in your trunk. It's a way to prevent this crime from happening."
Carter said there was no description to release of the suspects
The same Kia was seen at the Orange Theory on Weston Road earlier that night where an additional car was burglarized, according to BSO.
Anyone with information on their identities should call Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or go online to browardcrimestoppers.org.
Anonymous tips that lead to an arrest are eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.
