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Unearthing the Truth: Police Search for Leads in Cemetery Car Burglary Case

by News Staff January 18, 2023

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By Sharon Aron Baron

In the quiet of a local cemetery, a woman’s heartbreak turned to shock when she returned to her silver 2021 Toyota RAV4 to find the rear driver-side door window shattered and her mother’s purse stolen.

Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office North Lauderdale District are now seeking the public’s help in locating the suspects responsible for this crime of opportunity.

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, just before 1 p.m., the victim parked her vehicle on the east side of the Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery near the 1500 block of South State Road 7 in North Lauderdale to visit a loved one.

When she returned, she found her car had been burglarized. The victim reported to investigators that she had noticed a white van in the area before the break-in, according to detectives.

Thanks to the victim’s quick thinking, detectives obtained an image of the vehicle, which was identified as a newer model 2021 Toyota Sienna van with an Arkansas tag of ABN61D. The car was parked near the victim’s RAV4 at the time of the burglary, making the occupant(s) of the vehicle person(s) of interest.

But the suspects didn’t stop there. Immediately following the incident, a female subject wearing a mask, gray dress, and pink slippers, carrying a black bag, was seen on video surveillance attempting to purchase a $500 gift card at a local store using a credit card from the stolen purse, according to video surveillance.

Though the transaction was declined, the crime was caught on camera.

Unearthing the Truth: Police Search for Leads in Cemetery Car Burglary Case

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Now, detectives are asking anyone with information on the white 2021 Toyota Sienna Van or the female’s identity to come forward and contact BSO North Lauderdale District Detective Lisa Sokol at 954-720-2261 or submit a tip through the SaferWatch App.

If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), online at browardcrimestoppers.org, or dial **TIPS (8477).

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