CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are searching for the group of men and women who were caught on surveillance video stealing three whiskey cases valued at more than $3,500 from a liquor store in Coral Gables.
Sixty-seven-year-old Albert Broche, the manager at Gulf Liquors and Wines, off Madruga Avenue, said he was shocked by the brazen theft, Friday afternoon. “I was so surprised,” he said. “I’ve been in this store 29 years, and I was very surprised, because that didn’t happen [before].”
The video captured one of the subjects walking out with cases of Johnnie Walker Blue Label whiskey. Each bottle is priced at about $180.
“I was right behind the register, and I saw these five people, three men and two women, they stumped in the door, and one of them grabbed a Johnnie Walker Blue [case],” said Broche.
After the initial shock subsided, Broche dialed 911. “Then I react, and I called the police right away,” he said.
“We lost about $3,500, $3,600 in liquor,” said Gulf Liquors employee Noel del Valle. “I don’t know what’s going on. We have to stop this.”
When an employee ran after the subjects, Broche said, one of them pepper-sprayed him. “That woman kicked him in the ear, and a guy came out of the car and sprayed him very close with the pepper spray in the eyes,” said Broche.
The employees at Gulf Liquors lost more than merchandise. For them, peace of mind is more valuable.
“They walk like they think they own the place,” said del Valle.
The thieves remain at large.
If you have any information on this theft, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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