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Police warning drivers after cars were stolen from valet lots in Boca Raton

Posted at 3:50 PM, Jun 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-17 18:23:35-04

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Boca Raton police are warning drivers after several vehicles were stolen this month while valet parked.

According to police, a BMW 330i was taken from a valet lot, located at 101 Plaza Real South, on June 1.

Then on June 9, a Cadillac Escalade and Ford Mustang were stolen while valet parked at Ruth's Chris Steak House at Mizner Park, located at 225 NE Mizner Blvd.

Police said it appears the key stands were left unsecured and unattended in both cases.

Eagle Parking, which operates the valet parking outside Ruth's Chris, released this statement to WPTV:

"Eagle Parking is taking this situation very seriously. We are taking extreme measures with our team and practices to prevent this from happening again."

While all the vehicles have been recovered, police are warning drivers to be careful when choosing whether to use valet service.

The Boca Raton Police Department is recommending valet companies take the following precautions:

  • Keys should not be left unattended and/or unsecured at any time.
  • Keys should be stored in a locked box in an illuminated area and secured in place.
  • Vehicles should not be left unattended and running.
  • Vehicles should not be left unattended with the keys inside.
  • Vehicles should be locked at all times.
  • Valet stand should be under CCTV camera coverage.
  • Adequate personnel should staff the key stand while others remove vehicles from the queue.

Police said they've arrested an underage girl for one of the thefts, but are still actively looking for other suspects.