Homeowners talk about being robbed at bedtime

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- A couple who endured a neighborhood nightmare are sharing the creepy feeling of having their home robbed as they slept soundly inside.

The robbery happened just days after someone tried to break into a house down the block.

Helen Ciment has been a Miami Beach resident for many years, living in this normally quiet area of Chase Avenue, but this area has been hit by several home invasions in recent days. "First of all, it's terrible because we had three cars in our driveway. You could think maybe the people are on vacation. When there are three cars, you know that somebody's in that house sleeping."

On Friday, two blocks from Ciment's home, a group of burglars broke into the home where an 11-year-old boy was home at the time. He called 911 leading to arrests in this case.

That same night, Ciment and her husband Larry Ciment, a well-respected doctor on Miami Beach, had a group of friends over. "Our friends from Beverly Hills were here, and they were sleeping in another bedroom."

As the weather was cool, the Ciments decided to leave a window open to let in some air. The crooks took advantage of the open window and stole two purses. "Just very unhappy about the situation, that this could exist," said Ciment.

Miami Beach Police Detective Vivian Hernandez said, "Our detectives are working on it, seeing what are the things involved, but we are emphasizing: prevention, prevention, prevention. It's huge on our part and on the residents' part. Make sure your doors are locked and your windows are closed."

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

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