OAKLAND PARK, Fla. – Two thieves are seen on video strolling past Stephanie Dinnen’s Oakland Park home with some sort of wagon in tow. Inside was a hefty haul: thousands of dollars worth of her neighbor’s tools.
It happened during the overnight hours in the area of North Andrews Avenue and Northeast 56th Street.
“And then (they) just walk away like they did nothing wrong,” Dinnen said. “Not even in a rush. Like it was theirs. It was shocking.”
Those tools belonged to Randall Gromley.
“That’s how I make a living,” he said. “I’ve worked construction my whole life.”
Gromley said close to $5,000 worth of tools were packed on that cart. The thieves snatched a large box of tools off of his truck, along with a Craftsman tool box.
He said he woke up to find his entire rigid tool line — nail guns, saws — all missing.
“It was heartbreaking to find out all the tools you work with are gone,” Gromley said. “I went and bought about $1,500 worth of tools on credit cards. Eventually I’ll pay that back down.”
Residents in the area say they’re concerned. Deputies were still searching Monday for a “shameless” thief who’s been caught on camera stealing hurricane shutters from homes in nearby Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach.
“I’ve seen people coming and looking into yards,” Dinnen said. “They plan this stuff.”
Residents are warning each other, believing that nothing is off-limits.
“I know a few people down the street who’ve gotten stuff stolen from their front porch,” Dinnen said. “You know, we ourselves have to hide our strollers and things that are expensive because we’re scared that people are going to come steal them.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.