NORTHEAST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida father was left frustrated and trying to find a way to save Christmas after a delivery driver appeared to steal a package from the lobby of his apartment building.
Surveillance video provided by Fernando Bantos shows the subject walking through the lobby of the Cedar Glenn Condominium, located in Northeast Miami-Dade, before he picked up a nearby package and walked out.
“You can tell they’re up to no good,” said Bantos.
Another camera showed the same individual exiting his vehicle that was parked right outside and walking through the entrance of the condo, just before 5:00 a.m., Tuesday.
That footage also shows a second person exiting the same vehicle, then accompanying the other individual while carrying a large, square package wrapped in white wrapping paper.
Bantos believes those two individuals used the square package as a decoy, adding that the duo targeted his package since he had received confirmation his order had been delivered just hours before.
“He looks at the table, and he picks up the package, and then they walk out,” said Bantos.
After a few minutes, the brazen thieves are seen leaving the condo and driving away.
“They probably thought it was something expensive, like electronics or maybe a laptop, computer or something, because it didn’t look like a cheap package,” said Bantos.
Bantos told 7News the worst part of the theft was the package had a toy that was intended to be a Christmas gift from Santa for his young son.
“We thought we were gonna give it to him tonight, ’cause we celebrate it at midnight. I don’t know what Santa’s gonna do, I really don’t,” said Bantos. “It’s frustrating, and we actually don’t know what we’re gonna do. It’s not something we can go across the street and buy from Walmart or Target; it came from China. It was not even that expensive, but the frustration is really horrible that Santa is not gonna bring whatever he chose.”
Bantos said he and his wife are now scrambling to find another gift to save Christmas for his son.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
If you have any information on this theft or the subjects’ whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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