Local mother warns beachgoers after sentimental photos stolen from vehicle

A Nassau County mother has a warning for people heading out to the beach this weekend after her car’s windows were smashed and everything was stolen, including pictures of her daughter who recently died.

DeVina McCreless’ passenger side door had a gaping hole in place of a window and shattered glass covered the front seat.

“We went down to the beach for a fun kids’ day and came back to our windows smashed in,” McCreless said.

She said they were only at the beach for 15 minutes when she came to check on the car.

“An entire window sitting shattered in my passenger seat and crazy,” McCreless said.

Her diaper bag and her mother's purse were gone.

“They stole a sippy cup out the car, our registration out of the glove box,” McCreless said.

But the items taken that meant the most to her were pictures of her daughter, who died in September of a rare heart condition.

“They stole some pretty important stuff and to do that to somebody, I mean, the picture even said 'Rest In Peace' and her date on it,” McCreless said.

Deputies found her empty diaper bag and her mother’s purse in a dumpster.

She said the diapers and baby wipes were missing from the bag.

“A little strange, but I guess when you’re desperate, you’re desperate,” McCreless said.

As people head back to the beach this weekend, she has a message for drivers.

“Take all your stuff, anything that’s important. Take it,” McCreless said.

Prescription drugs were also stolen from her car.

She said that vehicles on the other side of the county line were broken into during the same time.

She said all the vehicles with windows that were smashed had out-of-state license plates and everyone who was robbed, including her, had little children with them.

Cox Media Group