Two Cape Coral firework stands stolen from days before July 4

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—Two Cape Coral firework stands were burglarized this week, just days before Independence Day.

Damien DeWitt opened a firework stand off Santa Barbara Boulevard last year. He says on Monday, some kids pulled up on e-bikes, grabbed fireworks, and took off.

"As I went to my truck to grab my food, and he pulled up, grabbed the fireworks, because this wall was up, and took off all in a matter of like 15 seconds," DeWitt said. "Those e-bikes are so fast, it's unbelievable."

DeWitt, a disabled veteran, says the theft was shocking because it was in broad daylight. He tells WINK News the stand is his main source of income.

"As a disabled vet, it's really hard for me to work throughout the year," DeWitt said. "It's pretty much my main source of income, honestly."

The thieves took two fireworks, each valued at $84.99. DeWitt says the incident was a dangerous mistake.

Just a few miles away on Pine Island Road, another firework stand was hit even harder. Damien Wright says he was on the night shift looking after the stand when burglars cut open the chicken wire and stole thousands of dollars' worth of fireworks.

"The heat kind of got the best of us, and we had both ended up falling asleep," Wright said. "They stole about anywhere from $7,500 to $10,000 worth of fireworks."

Wright says the loss could come right out of his pocket. He tells us they are held liable for any stolen or lost fireworks, which will come out of whatever they make from the fireworks.

Both stand owners are asking anyone with information about the burglaries to contact law enforcement. 

The Cape Coral Police Department says these were the only two burglaries reported this week and that it is investigating both cases.