Aventura Police Issue Robbery Warning

AVENTURA — City police warned residents on Friday to avoid carrying large sums of cash when running errands or shopping and to call police immediately if they are involved in a traffic accident rather than getting out of their cars.

"The Aventura Police Department is investigating robberies that we believe are tied to a group of individuals committing crimes in various locations in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties," explained Sgt. Chris Goranitis of the department.

The city is home to Aventura Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, as well as other stores that make an attractive target for criminals.

"In a couple of incidents, subjects have followed individuals into parking lots and intentionally caused minor crashes to get victims out of their vehicles," Goranitis cautioned.

To make yourself less attractive to criminals, Goranitis suggested that residents follow these safety tips:

• Use caution and park in well-lit areas.
• When shopping, do not carry large sums of money or display expensive jewelry.
• If you are involved in a traffic accident, call the police immediately and remain inside of your locked vehicle until police or first responders arrive.
• Do not leave purses and other valuables on front seats of vehicles or in plain sight.
• Always report any suspicious activity to police.

He said added that police have increased patrols and undercover units throughout the city.

Anyone with information regarding these crimes should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-Tips.

Photo of Sgt. Chris Goranitis by Paul Scicchitano