Would-be robbers destroy barbershop

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A barber shop was bashed by bandits, even though that business was not their target.

The burglars smashed the front door of a business, but their plan did not end there. "Someone tried to enter the jewelry store next door through the barber shop," said Luis Flores, through a translator.

The owner of King Barbershop on Southwest Eighth Street and 71st Avenue said they had a plan to go unnoticed during the crime spree. "They did a lot of damage trying to tear the lights so that no one could see them from outside," said Flores.

But the not-so-bright burglars did not realize cameras were rolling. They smashed the lights inside the business and tore down the ceiling. Once the lights went off, they got to what the owner believes was the real goal: a jewelry store next door.

Once inside, the would-be robbers tried to make their way into the store next door but failed, according to the jewelry store's owner. "When I came in," said Arnaldo Sanchez, "nothing happened. The only thing that I found was this clock on the floor. I checked all around and nothing happened."

They pounded on the wall in an attempt to break into Sanchez's Jewelry Store, but a clock that was on the wall fell and triggered the motion sensor alarm to go off.

The alarm scared off the two men, but they left plenty of damage at the barbershop. The crooks smashed the mirrors, trying to tear down the wall to gain entrance to the jewelry store next door. "They smashed the lights and the mirrors," said Flores.

That's when workers at a nearby bakery alerted police. But the damage to the business was already done, leaving the owner with a big bill. "I know that it could be because of the economic situation," said Flores. "Many people are trying to find an alternative, but what it does is cause harm to the people who are working and doing things differently."

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

(Copyright 2013 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)