From cash to shoes to firearms, criminals are taking advantage of unsecured vehicles in some North Lauderdale neighborhoods. Three of the suspects have been arrested, but detectives say burglaries remain a concern as multiple groups are still searching for unlocked vehicles overnight.

Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office North Lauderdale district believe there are additional suspects and the thieves appear to be targeting apartment complex parking lots and residential driveways usually between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., with minimal or no forced entry into the cars. However, the windows appear to be smashed when valuables are visible.

The thieves are ransacking the cars and walking away with sizeable hauls that include wallets, purses, sneakers, perfumes, hedge trimmers and leaf blowers. Even more concerning is the assortment of firearms the criminals are stealing from inside the consoles, glove compartments and trunks.

Detectives are urging people to make your car a harder target:

• Lock your vehicle and use wheel locks

• Park your car in well-lit areas

• Remove ALL personal items

• Install and activate an alarm system

Anyone with information on the additional subjects involved is asked to contact North Lauderdale District Sergeant Lisa Sokol at 954-720-2261 or Detective Jaret Mundth at 954-720-2265, or submit a tip through the SaferWatch app. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), online at browardcrimestoppers.org, or dial **TIPS (8477) from any cellphone in the United States.