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

Please take extraordinary care in regards to securing your valuables and report anything and everything suspicious.  At least 17 vehicles were broken into over night - this time windows were broken.

Please be advised that in the morning hours today (Saturday evening / Sunday AM - 12/3/2017) it appears that at least two groups of vehicle burglars broke into at least 17 cars. The victims are scattered around and that number will probably grow. Unlike what what we have seen in the past, most of the windows have been smashed rather than unlocked doors.

The incidents reported (as of this update) occurred in the following areas:  
7 break-ins between 150 to 160 Street and 87 to 84 Avenue.
7 break-ins between 136 to 148 Street and 74 to 82 Avenue.
Other areas will be updated.

Please, and at the urging of Village Police, you are encouraged to file a report if you have been victimized.  And again, the Village Police request that you report suspicious vehicles / persons regularly.

Police will be adjusting their schedules and assignments to combat this situation.  Your reports will assist greatly in police response to crime in our Village.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn - eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov 

Relevant online links, Village of Palmetto Bay:
March 3, 2010: Spike on local auto burglaries prompts Palmetto Bay Policing Unit to share safety times to thwart crime

Crime Prevention Information 
    Lock it or Lose It Campaign- See video
    Neighborhood Crime Watch Program (countywide)- contact Officer Judge for details specific to Palmetto Bay.
    Crime Prevention Tips(from the official village website):

• Lock your doors:  many burglaries occur when vehicles are left unlocked. Car burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Criminals will park their car at one end of the street and then simply walk down the block to scope out which cars are unlocked. 
• Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle: leaving items of value inside your car, such as purses, computer bags, gym bags, cell phones, iPods, etc., make it easier for thieves to see and want your stuff. Thieves look in, see the item, and either simply open the door or quickly smash a locked car’s window. 
• Stay vigilant:  be mindful of your surroundings and your actions.  Stay alert and be cautious.
• Call 911 if your car is broken into:  call the police by dialing 9-1-1 and do not touch, disturb, or move anything until they arrive at the scene. Police will respond and process the scene for possible fingerprints and or other trace evidence, such as DNA, in order identify the subjects. Too often, the victim cleans up the car or moves things around to see what is missing,  and, in doing so, contaminates the scene and crucial evidence is lost.

The Village’s General Investigative Unit (GIU) has the latest crime scene equipment for improved crime-scene photography, documentation, and evidence collection, including wet-surface collection and casting footprints and tire prints. This state-of-the-art equipment allows Officers and Detectives the ability to better identify and prosecute criminals. Partner with your Police;  it takes a partnership to reduce crime.

Please also see the official Village web page 

Crime & Incident Reports
Weekly Reports
The Palmetto Bay Policing Unit provides a "Crime and Incident Report" by Wednesday of every week summarizing the previous week's activity.

• Crime & Incident Reports (weekly)- 2009 to Present
• Crime Prevention Information
• Monthly Crime Statistics 

Additional Information

If you have information about any crimes or incidents, please contact the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.