Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives say a suspected prolific burglar, just 17 years old, has been arrested on multiple charges of car burglary and illegal use of credit cards. 

The arrest stems from a series of car burglaries at a North Lauderdale YouFit fitness facility. Since Aug. 9, BSO North Lauderdale District detectives say a burglar has broken into at least ten cars parked in the YouFit parking lot at 7346 McNab Road. The thief has lifted purses, wallets, credit cards, electronics and other personal items from the vehicles of victims who were inside the gym working out. In at least one instance, detectives say a victim received notifications from his credit card company shortly after the burglary that his credit cards were being used to purchase gift cards at a Walmart store. 

On Monday, Sept. 25, following an ongoing investigation, members of the BSO Burglary Apprehension Team (B.A.T.) arrested the teen suspect at 2500 S.W. 22nd Terrace in Fort Lauderdale. BSO arrested him on 13 counts of illegal use of credit cards, five counts of burglary conveyance and one count of resisting arrest. The investigation into similar crimes in South Florida is ongoing. 

Following his arrest, the juvenile was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center for processing. 

Investigators remind members of the public to lock their cars, avoid leaving personal items or electronics in their vehicles at any time and park in well-lit areas.