Vandals target business vehicles in Cocoa Beach

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Several workers in Cocoa Beach returned to their jobs Monday only to find out they couldn't make any deliveries after several company cars were broken into at a strip mall along A1A.

The thief, however, left behind blood, which could help police identify and ultimately arrest a suspect.

"It is just really disappointing to see somebody so low in life that they want to resort to vandalizing vehicles just to try to get a few bucks," said employee Tim Kelley.

According to Cocoa Beach police, a total of five vehicles at three businesses were broken into.

"They are doing Ace Hardware right now," said employee Jack Kidder. "Bella Catering was also vandalized, as well as Ashley's Pool."

Investigators said the vandals used bricks -- which were still on the scene -- to break through the driver's side windows.  Once inside the vehicles, they tried to pop open the ignition to steal the cars.

"It looks like they ripped off the steering column and tried to pop out the ignition," said Kidder. "They were trying to steal the van."

Employees said they were surprised to see the crime in this relatively quiet area.

"It's kind of sad to see that.  We have a really nice community here," said Kidder.

Investigators are working with one of the business owners and are reviewing surveillance video that may have caught the thief in the act.

WFTV