Vandals Break into Fla. Firefighters' Vehicles at Station

March 22, 2014
Electronics and other personal items were stolen from vehicles at Deerfield Beach fire station.

March 22--Burglars who shattered the windows of five vehicles at a Deerfield Beach fire station Thursday also stole personal electronics that belonged to the firefighters who work there, the Broward Sheriff's Office said.

The firefighters believe the incident happened within 30 minutes after 9:19 p.m. at 928 E. Hillsboro Blvd., the agency said.

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Station No. 4, one of the oldest in Broward County, is at the southwest corner of East Hillsboro Boulevard and South Federal Highway.

In addition to the smashed windows of the five personal vehicles, the stolen property included a $150 tablet reader and a $350 iPod, belongings that were not city property, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles said.

"Firefighters can be victims, too," Jachles said. "It's upsetting to think that someone would burglarize people who serve the community. They answer the call when the perpetrators or their families are in crisis or need."

A firefighter who went to his car to get his bedding for the night noticed nothing amiss. When he returned to his vehicle a short time later, he saw the damage, Jachles said.

Police warn drivers to always park in a well-lighted area, close windows and lock cars and keep the interiors empty of valuables.

Vandals will break in to take items of low value, including coins and sunglasses.

Residents of Hollywood oceanfront condo Trafalgar Towers found that out on March 10, when they discovered dozens of cars were damaged by thieves.

Hollywood police did not have an update on the case Friday, but said detectives still were investigating.

The Sheriff's Office asks anyone with information in the Deerfiled case to call 954-480-4300; Broward Crime Stoppers, which accepts anonymous tips, at 954-493-8477 or online at http://www.browardcrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $3,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

[email protected], 954-356-4233 or Twitter @LindaTrischitta

Copyright 2014 - Sun Sentinel

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!