BSO: Thieves Committing Dozens Of Smash-&-Grabs Across Broward

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BROWARD (CBSMiami) – Since May, the Broward Sheriff's Office says a pair of smash-and-grab thieves have targeted nearly three dozen businesses throughout Broward and left a trail of broken doors, stolen cash registers and surveillance video behind.

The Broward Sheriff's Office says the crooks strike between midnight and 10 a.m., smashing their way in through the front door of a business trying to get their hands on some cash.

One of the businesses they hit was Wings Plus on Prospect Road in Oakland Park.

In the early morning of Sunday, July 26th, the Broward Sheriff's Office says surveillance video shows a guy grab a brick, look around then hurl the brick through the front door of this business. The would-be thief tries to grab the cash drawer, but there isn't one. The other register is locked. He leaves quickly, empty handed and nearly without his brick.

DJ Schiess is the manager at the restaurant. She said they don't keep money in the restaurant at night.

She also said even though the thieves didn't take anything they did leave behind hundreds of dollars in damage and damaged the employees' sense of security.

"It makes you feel not as safe as before," she said.

The Broward Sheriff's Office says the brick and cement block throwing thieves have been targeting businesses throughout Broward County since May burglarizing around 30 businesses.

At Mega Deals in Oakland Park – in the same plaza as the Wings Plus – the manager says they stole thousands of dollars' worth of items.

"They need to catch these guys," said Mega Deals manager Omar Teruel. "They need to stop it."

At the Best Bakery in Broward, in North Lauderdale, owner Moise Saintil showed CBS4 surveillance video. A guy can be seen walking up to the front door and toss a cement block inside and let himself in. He rifles around, steals a cash drawer and casually leaves.

"When they catch him we'll be happy," said Saintil.

So will other business owners and employees. They say even though no one has been hurt this crime spree hurts their bottom lines.

"I know things are desperate for some people but you don't have to go to these lengths," she said.

Investigators say the thieves have been seen driving different cars including a white Chrysler Pacifica and a silver Chevrolet Malibu. If you can help investigators, please contact Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.