FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Broward Sheriff’s detectives want to get to the bottom of a crime spree committed by a band of serial shoplifters who have been stealing boxes of disposable diapers from several stores since early March.
The most recent ripoff happened April 14 in a Family Dollar store at 7200 Southgate Blvd. in North Lauderdale, where the thieves stole several boxes of diapers, the sheriff’s office said Thursday.
On March 20, more than $200 worth of diapers and baby products were stolen from the Walgreens at 8199 N. University Dr. in Tamarac.
On March 9, nearly $900 worth of diapers were taken from a Publix at 950 E. Commercial Blvd. in Oakland Park, and the group may be involved in similar thefts at a Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy in Margate, detectives said.
Security cameras have taken pictures of the suspects and their potential getaway cars that include a a blue Toyota Corolla and a gold-colored Chevrolet Impala with rear bumper damage.
Investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the diaper thieves or who has any information about the thefts to contact North Lauderdale Detective Justin Panza at 954-720-2250, Tamarac Detective Stacie Nelson at 954-247-6027 or Oakland Park Detective Iris Murillo at 954-202-3116.
Anonymous tips can be given to Broward Crime Stoppers by calling 954-493-8477 or online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.
It’s unknown if the thieves were motivated by a need for products they couldn’t afford or were intent on selling the stolen items.
However, if anyone needs help dealing with the current economic strain caused by the COVID-19 virus, the Broward Sheriff’s Office suggests calling 211 or going online to 211-broward.org to get help with essential services.
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