Thieves target wealthy in Bay Harbor Islands, police say

Thieves believed to be responsible for as many as 9 burglaries

BAY HARBOR ISLANDS, Fla. – Police are searching for a group of thieves believed to be responsible for as many as nine burglaries in Bay Harbor Islands.

Police believe the three men are also the culprits who were captured on surveillance video trying to gain access to a condo building in Hillsborough Beach.

The men were seen dialing a call box at the entrance and were ultimately successful. Police said they ransacked a unit and stole some valuables from the home last month.

A similar crime was reported in Fort Lauderdale last week and was also captured on surveillance video.

Detectives believe the men are part of a bigger burglary ring that is working together and responsible for two more recent break-ins at condos in Bay Harbor Islands.

One victim is putting up a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, while another is offering a $20,000 reward.

"The reward money is a way for these victims to get their lives back and some peace and tranquility," said Bay Harbor Islands Police Chief Sean Hemingway.

"Most of the jewelry was bequeathed to her by her mother and grandmother, and we were also holding jewelry that belongs to our daughter --so these are memories of three generations," a victim who wished to remain anonymous said.

Police said the $70,000 in reward money will be paid if someone is arrested and all of the prized possessions are returned.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

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About the Author:

Terrell Forney joined Local 10 News in October 2005 as a general assignment reporter. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but a desire to escape the harsh winters of the north brought him to South Florida.