MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a woman suspected of stealing thousands of dollars in valuables from spa guests at two high-end hotels in Miami Beach.
According to investigators, the subject, who appears to have an eye for expensive jewelry, has been targeting wealthy visitors at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach and Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort.
Recently released surveillance video shows the woman walking into the Eden Roc lobby on July 25. She is seen wearing a dark colored baseball cap over her long, brown hair, along with a blue tank top and light colored shorts. At one point she is seen texting on her smartphone, and in another she is seen approaching a woman who seems to be an employee and appears to be smiling back at her.
It remains unknown how much was stolen at the Eden Roc, but police believe the same alleged burglar stole more than $50,000 in gold and diamond jewelry from a locker at the Faena Hotel, Wednesday.
Hotel visitors said they are shocked by the brazen thefts. “Oh, my God! This story is crazy,” said Justin Darrow.
“If you’re going to a nice place, of course you expect everything to be safe,” said visitor Katya Tverdoda.
Eden Roc spa guest Massi Ashrafi said he has never been targeted. “Luckily, I haven’t had anything lost or stolen,” he said.
A police report revealed pry marks were found on the locked wooden spa locker at the Faena. Investigators believe the suspected burglar took a gold Cartier watch with diamonds estimated at $30,000 and 1.5 karat diamond earrings valued at $20,000, along with $380 in cash.
“I hope they catch that person. It’s terrible,” said visitor Allan Light.
A security officer at the Faena claimed he recognized the woman because, he claims, she has a history of theft there.
Investigators said the subject used $100 in Visa gift cards to pay for spa services on Wednesday, but did not bother getting the service she had paid for.
According to the report, the name she left was “Ana Adam,” but she did not write down any contact information.
A spokesperson with Faena released a statement that read in part, “The safety and security of our guests and staff is, as always, our top priority. We are cooperating with the Miami Beach Police Department, and the matter is the hands of the authorities. We can share that the incident in question is isolated.”
An Eden Roc spokesperson also called the July 25 theft an isolated incident. However, police are looking into the possibility of more spa thefts, and they hope to catch this woman before she strikes again.
“If you’re on a vacation and somebody’s steals your stuff, you’re not going to like it, definitely,” said visitor Dan Nespelbaum. “It’s not a good memory.”
“I have more jewelry than most women do, and it’s scary because you want to trust people, and you believe you should be able to,” said Light. “We all live together, and that’s the way it should be.”
If you have any information on the woman’s whereabouts, 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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