Thieves continue to target the City of Port St. Lucie’s parked cars. Ten vehicles were reported burglarized while parked in public parking lots across the city from Nov. 6 through Nov. 30.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department yet again is seeking the public’s help in identifying the burglars, as well as reminding the public to remove valuables from their vehicles – or at least stash them out of sight. With the holidays fast approaching and shoppers searching for deals, thieves could take advantage.
Drivers reported losses that included an iPhone, wallets, purses, credit cards, checks and cash, according to police.
One driver discovered that a credit card that had been stolen was used at a Walgreens on St. Lucie West Boulevard to purchase $60 in merchandise and a $300 gift card. The card was also used at a Walmart to rack up $400 in purchases. Three vehicles were burglarized at Lyngate Dog Park on Nov. 30 in a span of about 10 minutes. According to police, three suspects exited a black 2018 Hyundai Elantra with a Florida tag and smashed the windows of two of the victims’ vehicles. Another vehicle had been left unlocked. The unlocked vehicle wasn’t damaged, police said, but it was rummaged through. Nothing was reported stolen from that vehicle.
One of the two vehicles with smashed windows yielded nothing for the burglars to take, according to police. However, the other – a 2002 Audi Q5 – had a purse with driver’s license, credit cards, a gift card, $50 cash, and a garage key card stolen.
A few drivers were lucky, according to police. While burglars attempted to gain entry into their vehicles, the burglars were unsuccessful. One incident occurred at the Anytime Fitness located on SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard. The would-be burglar tried several times to smash the window of a 2016 Dodge Durango but the glass wouldn’t yield. The burglar was seen on surveillance cameras leaving the parking lot in a white sedan, possibly a Buick Lacrosse.
Another incident occurred at the Target on SW Village Parkway and involved a 2005 Ford Mustang. The burglar tried several times to punch the door lock to gain entry, but failed. In that case, the burglar left the parking lot in a minivan.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department encourages those with information regarding any of the following incidents to contact either Detective Jason Chapman at 772-871-5065 or Detective Peter Chunn at 772- 871-5053. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers 800-273-TIPS.
list of reported incidents:
- 11/6: 9-11 p.m. – Palm Beach Sports Club, 250 NW Peacock Blvd.
- 11/10: 5-7 p.m. – Watercrest Senior Living, 279 NW California Blvd.
- 11/12: 9:05-9:17 a.m. – Anytime Fitness, 240 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd.
- 11/15: 8:30-9:45 p.m. – Target, 10720 SW Village Pkwy.
- 11/15: 9-10 p.m. – Palm Beach Sports Club, 250 NW Peacock Blvd.
- 11/17: 5:15-7 a.m. – Speedway gas station, 149 NW Bayshore Blvd.
- 11/30: 3:38-3:49 p.m. – Lyngate Dog Park, 1301 SE Lyngate Dr.; 3 incidents
- 11/30: 2-4:45 p.m. – Selcan Center, 810 SW Glenview Ct.
