Authorities are investigating a string of overnight smash-and-grab burglaries at multiple smoke shops across Broward County early Tuesday.
One of the stores targeted was Sky World Smoke Shop, located in the 7400 block of Royal Palm Boulevard in Margate. Video from the scene showed shattered glass from the storefront window.
According to Margate Police, the suspects made off with merchandise worth thousands of dollars in a matter of seconds. The store’s owner told NBC6 the thieves stole at least $15,000 worth of products during the break-in, which lasted about 30 seconds.
“You feel violated and it’s draining. It’s a lot of money that we lose. We are a small business, a mom-and-pop — we’ve been here for 11 years but it hurts a lot especially these days, it’s money. We don’t really need to be losing any of it,” the owner said.
Police said another smoke shop, Vapro Shark, located within a three-mile radius on West Sample Road, was also hit around the same time. Much like the first incident, the suspects smashed a window, grabbed merchandise, and fled before officers arrived.
The shaken owners of both shops have since boarded up their storefronts and are considering adding shutters to prevent future break-ins.
Investigators are looking into whether the two burglaries are connected. The owner of the Margate shop said at least three smoke shops in the area were targeted in the crimes.
Meanwhile, police in Deerfield Beach reported another smash-and-grab at a smoke shop early Tuesday, though it’s unclear if that incident is related.
Anyone with information about the burglaries is urged to contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
