BROWARD COUNTY, FL — North Lauderdale residents are being warned to lock their vehicles and remove valuables after a run of overnight car burglaries tied to unsecured cars in some neighborhoods.
Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office North Lauderdale district say criminals have been taking advantage of unlocked vehicles, especially in apartment complex parking lots and residential driveways. The burglaries are happening late at night, usually between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.
BSO says three suspects have been arrested, but detectives believe there are additional suspects involved. Investigators say burglaries remain a concern because multiple groups are still searching for unlocked vehicles overnight.
Detectives say there is often minimal or no forced entry into the cars. When valuables are visible, windows appear to be smashed.
The thieves are ransacking vehicles and taking a wide range of items. BSO listed stolen property that includes wallets, purses, cash, sneakers, perfumes, hedge trimmers and leaf blowers.
Detectives said the most concerning trend is firearms being stolen from inside vehicles. BSO says guns have been taken from consoles, glove compartments and trunks.
BSO is urging residents to make their cars harder targets. The agency’s guidance includes locking vehicles and using wheel locks, parking in well-lit areas, removing all personal items, and installing and activating an alarm system.
BSO is asking anyone with information about additional suspects to contact North Lauderdale District Sergeant Lisa Sokol at 954-720-2261 or Detective Jaret Mundth at 954-720-2265. Tips can also be submitted through the SaferWatch app.
People who want to remain anonymous can contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), go to browardcrimestoppers.org, or dial **TIPS (8477) from any cellphone in the United States.
For residents in Boca Raton and across Palm Beach County, the warning is familiar and practical: lock up, clear out valuables, and don’t leave firearms in vehicles. BSO’s message is that unlocked cars are an easy target, and the thefts can happen quickly during overnight hours.
