Palmetto Bay Crime/Safety update - Palmetto Bay Police Enhances Its Citizen Protection Strategy

Our police are responding to the recent car break-ins. The following information was presented at our December Regular Village Council meeting.  The following was posted on the official Palmetto Bay website (CLICK HERE to view the information online)

As many of you know, there were a series of vehicle break-ins over the weekend, scattered over areas from SW 136 Street to SW 160 Street. A total of 35 vehicles were affected and 21 incidents have been reported so far (some homes had more than one car broken into.) The group of thieves moved swiftly through the area and broke into the cars by smashing windows. The group of thieves moved swiftly through the area and broke into the cars by smashing windows. A resident provided video footage from their Ring doorbell camera which shows how quickly the perpetrators moved through the area. 

DNA was collected at the scene and our policing unit has increased its presence in the area. The unit’s command staff had previously implemented its annual Grinch Busters initiative, which augments police presence in areas shown to have an increase in criminal activity based on trend and intelligence data. This initiative has proven to decrease criminal activity during the holiday season. Compared to 2016, robberies are down 18% as a result of the Grinch Busters action plan. 

Immediately following this event, the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit adjusted its strategy to further protect the residents of the Village. Our officers are on high alert and will be working additional hours as necessary. Nevertheless, we ask residents to help us in this endeavor. 

During our regular Council meeting this past Monday, the Police Commander, Major Serralta asked that anyone with information should contact our policing unit. Major Serralta also encouraged all residents to please contact the Miami-Dade County Police Non-Emergency line to report any and all suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Miami-Dade County handles all dispatch services for the Village of Palmetto Bay and will dispatch a Palmetto Bay officer to the area 24/7. In the event of an emergency, please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. 

Unfortunately, the holiday season is a time of heightened criminal activity. Please stay alert and aware of your surroundings, lock your homes and vehicles and report any suspicious activity to the police. Our priority is to ensure your safety and we are working harder than ever to protect you.

Palmetto Bay Policing Unit: 305-278-4000
Miami-Dade County Non-Emergency Line: 305-479-5423 (305-4-POLICE)
Miami-Dade County Emergencies: 9-1-1

<<<Also see our list of Holiday Safety Tips>>>

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Please see my prior related posted:

Be a "Grinch Buster" - Your Policing Unit Offers These Holiday Safety Tips (December 5, 2017), and:

CRIME ALERT - at least 17 vehicles broken into overnight Sat/Sun, 12/2-12/3. Please report suspicious activity. (December 3, 2017)