A 20-year-old woman has been sentenced to five years probation, according to Law & Crime, after being accused by Miami police of luring men into hotel rooms before pepper-spraying and robbing them of their luxury watches.
Esther Maria Torres was arrested in May on two counts of armed robbery in connection with a pair of incidents that occurred earlier in the year, reports Local 10 News.
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On March 26, police say Torres entered a room at the Breakwater Hotel with a tourist, sprayed him and took his Hugo Boss watch and wallet. Four days later, they say she pulled a similar trick at the Fontainebleau, this time lifting a Rolex Submariner worth $22,000.
Police bodycam footage obtained by Local 10 News shows the moment Torres was arrested.
Predator and prey
Local 10 News reports that police say Torres was identified via surveillance video and a traffic stop in April that led to the arrest of a man driving a car tied to one of the robberies, and Torres later arrived at the scene.
A judge ordered Torres be held without bond following her arrest.
According to another report by WSVN 7News, investigators had recruited the help of Mitch Novick, owner of the Sherbrooke Hotel, who captured surveillance footage of the suspect.
“We have a predator, and she’s preying on male victims,” Novak told the local broadcaster.
Read more: Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
How can you protect yourself?
Crimes of opportunity happen without prior planning and occur when offenders seize on a chance to act. This can result in robbery if a vulnerable target is identified or valuable items are spotted. Common items stolen in these crimes can include phones, laptops, wallets, designer wear and bicycles.
Tourism hotspots can be paradise for thieves. There’s distraction everywhere and people tend to let their guard down when they’re on vacation. It’s important to stay vigilant, even if you’re there to relax. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your belongings:
- Keep any valuables out of sight or locked away.
- Don’t wear flashy items if you’re alone or out late.
- Watch out for overly friendly strangers.
- If you’re with friends, assign at least one person to watch everyone’s stuff if others are busy
- Don’t leave bags or packages visible in your car, even for a short time
If you’re partying in paradise, keep your eyes on more than just the ocean view to keep your belongings in their rightful place.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.