CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – The owner of a Coral Springs smoke shop is calling for justice after surveillance video shows two masked burglars broke into her store early Wednesday morning, stealing thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise.
It happened around 2:45 a.m. at Smoke This Too, located at 2530 N. University Drive.
Surveillance video shows two individuals dressed in long clothing, gloves and masks approaching the rear of the business with a hammer and two large boxes.
Moments later, they smashed the glass door and forced their way inside.
Kelli Thibault, who has owned the shop since 2011, said the pair worked quickly.
“As a small business it’s hard enough to make ends meet,” Thibault said. “They didn’t get us. We went right back into operation the same day so we really didn’t skip a beat.”
While inside, the thieves were seen filling bins with merchandise, including disposable vapes such as Razz, Geek Bar and Lost Mary — products known to be popular among teens and young adults.
Thibault said the pair also made off with the store’s register, a cash box and approximately $500 in cash.
The initial loss is estimated at about $15,000, though police said the total value could rise once a full inventory is completed.
Thibault believes the suspects may be minors based on what they targeted.
“I think in my opinion, it’s probably kids because they didn’t take a lot of high ticket items,” she said. “They took things that are easy to sell so parents, teachers — look for that kind of stuff.”
The video shows the suspects pulling the bins out the back door, one of them dragging the cash register cord across the floor.
After the first haul, the burglars returned minutes later with a trash can, smashing a showcase with a hammer and stealing gummy products.
According to Coral Springs police, the suspects were last seen fleeing northbound on foot. Their vehicle was reportedly caught on surveillance video from Total Wine, which is located next door.
Investigators said they’re reviewing the footage but no arrests or possible suspects have been announced at this time.
Authorities said they are searching for a small silver or white hatchback that was used as the getaway vehicle.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Coral Springs Police Department at 954-344-1800 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.