31 vehicles broken into at northwest Miami-Dade apartment complex

23 vehicles vandalized, 8 burglarized early Thursday

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Police are investigating after numerous vehicles were broken into Thursday morning at a northwest Miami-Dade County apartment complex.

Police said the crime happened between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. at the Hibiscus Point Apartments off Northwest 79th Street and 13th Avenue.

Police said two men hopped a fence on the east side of the complex and began smashing windows and vandalizing cars.

Residents said this is the second day in a row that vehicles in the community have been targeted.

According to police, a total of 31 cars and SUVs were broken into. They said 23 were vandalized and eight were burglarized.

The thieves busted windows, locks and door handles.

Neighbors told Local 10 News reporter John Turchin that the thieves took electronics, jewelry, wallets and items that contained personal identification information, such as driver's licenses and voter cards.

"I came outside immediately, and when I looked I see almost all my neighbors outside complaining, on the phone calling police and all their windows were busted," one woman said.

"Our cars are vandalized for now. Who's to say we're going to feel safe sleeping in our apartment. If they're doing something to our cars what makes you think they won't do it to our apartments?" another woman said.

Hours after the break-ins, several technicians were still replacing windows and stereo equipment. They are expected to remain at the complex for much of the day.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.