Thieves Target Shoppers In Orange County

Investigators with the Orlando Police Department are looking for burglars who are targeting shoppers near the Mall at Millenia.

Investigators told Eyewitness News that the crooks look for people who have made big purchases, follow them, and then break into their cars. And the whole time, the victims don’t know they’re being watched.

“They’ll watch them put it in their vehicle and then drive off. Our suspects will then follow them to another large parking lot where there is a sea of cars. They’re breaking out the glass, popping the trunks and getting the items out,” said Patrick Guckian with the Orlando Police Department.

In the past two weeks, at least 8 cars have been broken into.

Police recommend taking expensive items home or to your hotel instead of leaving them in your car to avoid becoming a victim.

“I think people should go work and earn a decent wage for themselves so they can buy their own stuff as opposed to stealing somebody else’s,” said Virgil Wade, shopper.