PBC Sheriff warns of 'bump and rob' crimes

SUBURBAN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw is warning drivers of what's now known as 'bump and rob' crimes.

He spoke Friday at an event outside the sheriff's office.

Bradshaw is warning drivers, especially those on the road between midnight and 6:00 a.m., to be aware of this crime.

Law enforcement agencies throughout South Florida say the drivers will hit your car with theirs, then when you get out to check what happened, they'll rob you, sometimes at gunpoint.

Bradshaw said a lot of these incidents are happening around ATMs.  He says if you get hit, drive to a populated, well-lit area, or to a police station or sub-station.

"They're happening in every jurisdiction, not particular to one but we know that it's after midnight, we know there's some association with ATMs ... I wouldn't be visiting these ATMs at 1,2 o-clock in the morning when you're by yourself," said Sheriff Bradshaw.

He also says to immediately call 911 when you're hit, that way an agency is on its way as soon as possible.