The Pinecrest Police Department needs help. Literally.  Succinctly, we need help in two ways. First, we need our residents, who also own businesses, to be aware that we have had several robberies of owners lately as they return home after closing their business late at night. In every instance, the shopkeepers were carrying the day's receipts, which they intended to deposit in the bank the next business day.

The modus operandi (method of operation) is as follows: The suspects watch businesses, especially restaurants that are open late, and wait for the owners or managers to close and leave with the bank deposit bag. They then follow the victim home and accost them in the driveway. They have been known to follow their victims a long, long way and in one recent case traveled more than 60 blocks before committing the crime! The three suspects, identified as non-descript black males in their 20s, are not afraid to use violence and several victims have been injured.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of these criminals is to stop bringing business proceeds home. Consider keeping them in a safe overnight and go to the bank during daylight hours. If you must process the funds sooner, try to deposit them early in the evening while accompanied by another employee.

Also, be alert to the possibility that you are being followed. If you sense someone is tailing you, go to an open business, preferably a busy one, and ask that they call the police. Whatever you do, DO NOT drive home. Have an officer investigate and follow you home, if necessary. Remember, it's much more preferable to be cautious and safe than sorry.

Secondly, in October the Department will hire more patrol officers. If you know of someone who has what it takes to join a department that is well on its way to becoming one of the finest law enforcement agencies in South Florida, have them stop in and pick up an application package. We are always interested in talking with high caliber candidates who will work diligently to make Pinecrest the safest community possible.

Thanks for your help!