In the past few weeks we have identified several criminal trends and patterns in the City of Miami and neighboring municipalities.

1. Theft of rims from high end vehicles (Mercedes, Audi, Lexus) – the thefts are occurring during late night hours. Offenders are using cargo or mini vans to transport rims after theft.

Prevention – purchase rim locks.

2. Theft of air bags from older model Nissan and Hondas. – Offenders are gaining access to the vehicle by damaging the driver’s side lock.

Prevention and possible deterrent – steering wheel locking device.

3. Theft of spare rear tire from Jeep Wranglers.

Prevention – wheel lock device.

The peak hours these incidents are taking place is during the late night or early morning hours (12A-5A).

Please pass along the information to your friends and neighbors. If you see any suspicious or criminal activity call 911 immediately.

Thank you and Stay Safe.

Cmdr. Manuel Morales

On July 7th, 2014 at 11:15 pm, our [City of Miami Police] night time patrol units responded to 3200 Frow Ave in reference to a car break-in in progress. Upon the arrival of the units the offenders had fled the scene.

At 12:10 Am Units responded to 3401 Oak Ave in reference to a car break-in in progress, but again upon the arrival of the units the offenders had fled the scene.

At 2:05 am, Unit responded to 2630 Overbrook St in reference to a car break-in in progress, but again units failed to contact the offenders.

Officers Rosario and Grass were determined to locate the offenders that appeared to have committed all 3 break-ins and were actively engaged in a crime spree. They were able to locate 2 offenders matching the description given by the witnesses and in possession of the items stolen from the vehicles. The offenders also matched the description of several males that have been seen in the areas of Zone 1 and 2 checking multiple car doors and we suspect that they are responsible for multiple incidents.

Detective Betty Nelson of the Burglary Unit is conducting a follow up investigation to attempt to link the offenders to other grove crimes.

Mr. Carlos Manuel Padron was arrested with a juvenile (whose information will not be released).

I will keep you posted on our crime fighting efforts.

Thanks

Commander Manuel A. Morales

We have had tremendous success in our crime fighting efforts during the first half of the year, especially in in the North Grove with an overall crime reductions of -45%, but Summer is upon us and with it comes a historical crime spike in property crimes.

In the past 3 days we have seen 3 incidents in the North Grove.

2400 block of Inagua
2300 block of Lincoln
2100 block of Tigertail

We suspect the same offender due to the relative closeness of the locations, the similar entry via rear glass door and the targeting of watches and jewelry. I have assigned units to the area on a permanent detail with specific instructions to address the types of crime we are attempting to combat. In addition, I have enlisted the assistance of a mounted unit, which offers a greater vantage point to identify possible offenders in fenced yards.

Take extra precaution to protect your property by always locking your doors and windows, activating your alarm and keeping your exterior lights on at night.
The offenders are targeting watches and jewelry, a good crime prevention technique is to consolidate those valuables and hide them in an unlikely place (freezer, under sofa cushions).

As always, please call 911 immediately to report an incident in progress, for suspicious activity call 305-579-6111. Please keep that number in your cell phone.

I will keep you posted on our crime fighting efforts.

Cmdr. Manuel Morales

Additional Burglary Incident

Sunday, March 23, around 12:45 pm, a home was broken into in the 2600 block of Natoma St. The occupant was home and heard the intruders and called the police. When the occupant called out asking who was in her house they fled through a side door in the garage. This burglary of an occupied residence was more brazen than usual because it occurred on a Sunday afternoon! Please remember to set your alarms every time you leave and lock all doors. Also keep the doors locked and the alarm on even when you’re home.

From Commander Morales:

We were able to view footage from a neighbors camera. A white newer model Buick Enclave SUV drove around several times. Moments later, a black male and a black female with a possible mildly hunched back are seen gaining entry into the side yard of the residence. Units are aware of the vehicle and offenders and are on the lookout.

Armed Robbery in Center Grove

On March 26, 2014, at 6:20 AM a woman was walking to the gym and was approached by a black male with dread locks wearing camo shorts. He held her up at gunpoint and forced her to walk into a secluded exit gate driveway by a dumpster and held a gun to her chest while he made her remove her earrings, necklace and phone.

From Commander Morales:

No video was located – no prints, but victim can ID. The offender appears to be connected to our last robbery on Matilda on March 20th. We are looking for a red or maroon Nissan Altima or Maxima. This duo is suspected of committing several robberies in the city.

Offender 1 – black male 6’0 – 220 lbs with dreads and tattoos.
Offender 2 – (driver) white latin male muscular with tattoos.