Miami Beach Police Investigating String of Vehicle Burglaries in North Shore
MIAMI BEACH, FL – Miami Beach police are investigating a series of vehicle burglaries that occurred early Monday in the North Shore community.
Officers responded to the 100 block of North Shore Drive shortly before 6:30 a.m. following reports of multiple auto break-ins. According to investigators, approximately 24 vehicles were targeted in what appears to be a coordinated effort.
Rare Incident Raises Concern
Public Information Officer Christopher Bess described the incident as unusual for the neighborhood.
“Usually, during the holiday season, [vehicle burglaries] are uptick because people leave valuables in their vehicles or leave it unlocked. However, in this area, it’s a very rare occurrence, especially with the quantity of vehicles that were targeted. We believe this was an isolated incident,” Bess stated.
Residents expressed frustration over the break-ins, which left shattered windows and shaken confidence.
“It’s not expected, especially here,” said resident Cery Nieves. “This is the second time in less than a couple of months. It’s frustrating because it’s not starting to feel safe anymore.”
Giovanni Toro, another victim, echoed similar concerns. “This is not a safe environment anymore. Unfortunately, we have to take things into our own hands or the police have to do something about it,” Toro said.
Quick and Costly Crimes
The burglaries likely occurred overnight or during the early hours of Monday morning, police said. While officers regularly patrol the area, these types of crimes are often completed in under five minutes, making them difficult to prevent in real time.
CBS Miami cameras captured images of damaged vehicles as frustrated residents worked to repair broken windows. The financial burden of the repairs added to the frustration.
“It’s $250 for my window and the same for my wife,” said one resident.
Police Advise Precautions
As detectives work to gather evidence and identify the perpetrators, police offered safety tips to help residents avoid becoming victims:
- Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
- Invest in an alarm system.
- Park in well-lit and secure areas.
Authorities urged anyone with information about the burglaries to contact Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-8477 or (305) 471-TIPS.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing to the community to remain vigilant during the holiday season, when such crimes tend to rise.
