5 Arrests made in international burglary ring that targeted south florida
August 24, 2015
After a year-long investigation, five Venezuelan nationals were arrested on Friday (Aug. 21) in connection with an international burglary ring that targeted luxury condos in South Florida.
According to investigators, the men would travel to Miami to burglarize condos along the coastline. It is estimated that the men stole about $4 million worth of property.
Det. Noel of the Bay Harbor Islands Police said that these guys were very sophisticated and organized.
On Aug. 14, a surveillance team started monitoring the suspects 24 hours a day. Officials believe that on that day, the men were responsible for a burglary that was captured on tape at a Key Biscayne condo, however, that case is still under investigation.
On Aug. 20, two men were caught and subsequently arrested while burglarizing another Key Biscayne condo, NBC Miami reported.
On Aug. 22, two more men from the group were arrested at Miami International Airport while they were trying to return home to Venezuela. The last suspect was later found and arrested with Doral Police's assistance.
Bay Harbor Islands Police Chief Sean Hemingway said that this should send a message to criminals. Whether they're (the criminals) in Bay Harbor Islands or Juno Beach, his team will compare data, and do analytical work together. We're going to come for the criminals, he said.
Though the detectives were able to recover some of the stolen property, the burglary victims are saddened by the fact that they'll probably never get back their most precious valuables, some of which include heirlooms that have been in the family for four generations.
One of the burglary victims, C. Kellerman, said that it's very painful. She said that the emotional aspect is indescribable.
Arrested for a theft-related crime in Miami? Contact our Miami firm for a free consultation with one of the area's top-rated criminal defense attorneys!
