WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-- Police say they are investigating about 40 smash and grab car break-ins from a two-week period in the Flamingo Park, Sunshine Park, Pineapple Park, and Warehouse District neighborhoods of West Palm Beach.
Right now police have identified a suspect(s) involved and say arrests are coming.
West Palm Beach Assistant Chief of Police Tameca West says this week neighborhoods in the Flamingo Park and surrounding areas were hit hard on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The cars had broken windows and had the glove compartments rummaged through. Police say, in some cases, the suspects appear to be looking specifically for guns.
On Sunday, six cars were broken into during the day on Clare Avenue near Grandview Market.
"I just came out and saw the police cars and everybody standing around looking at their cars," said Ed Minnie, who works nearby. "They were just smash, reach in, open the glove box and then go. It happened very fast."
Minnie said he helped clean up the glass and noticed days later there was another car break-in on the same street.
"It's just unexplainable. The neighborhood is an up and coming neighborhood. It's getting better not worse," said Ed Minnie who works nearby.
West Palm Beach police say they are getting reports of car break ins in Flamingo Park, Sunshine Park, Pineapple Park and the warehouse District and out towards parts of the SoSo neighborhood.
"Approximately 20 this week. 10 in one night so of course, red flags went off there. We immediately increased patrols, had some extra divisions go down," said Assistant Chief West.
One homeowner on Ardmore Drive shared photos of his car broken into and said he didn't even have items in his car, but his glove box was rummaged through.
"I think they try to look for guns or firearms in vehicles," added West.
Police say they have identified some suspects and are asking for homeowners to share any surveillance video they may have of potential suspects.
"I would like to see more patrols and the neighborhood associations are getting involved. The only thing we could do is get pictures, identify them, and prosecute them," Minnie said.
Police say purses were reported stolen and electronics. They want to remind drivers to lock their car doors, remove any valuables from the car, especially guns.
