Surveillance Tape Released Of South Miami "Blazer Burglar"
MIAMI (CBS4) - South Miami Police are appealing for the public's help in finding a well-dressed burglar who they say stole up to $30,000 worth of jewelry last weekend from a boutique on Sunset Drive.
The criminal is so well-dressed that police have dubbed him the "blazer burglar" because he is seen on new surveillance tape entering the store wearing a light, green blazer and carrying a satchel and talking on a cell phone.
"What we can see on this surveillance tape is a Latin male," said Police Major Rene Landa. He told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "What's definitely sticking out is the way this guy is dressed. I mean he's committing a burglary to a business with a satchel bag on his right side that probably has some type of instruments he used to break open the front door."
Major Landa said the "blazer burglar" entered the store at 6:43 last Saturday and was inside it for 16 minutes. A second camera captures him getting into a nearby car when he leaves with the jewelry and some clothing.
"There's so many things sticking out," said Landa. "Somebody has to recognize this guy. He's well dressed. He's on the cell phone the whole time as see in the video. He steps in and out of the store 3 or 4 times to look down the street to make sure no one is coming."
"I'm pretty sure he's used to carrying the bag constantly like that," said Landa. "He seems to carry it in the same fashion. And he took some clothing and $20,000 to $30,000 worth of jewelry. That's what the owners told us."
The owners of Enjoy Boutique at 5740 Sunset Drive showed D'Oench cell phone video of the damage to the front door lock and told him they were upset. They said they had just opened their boutique a month ago and said their losses were not insured.
They said they did not want to go on camera because of their fears that the "blazer burglar" would retaliate against them.
D'Oench spoke to other boutique owners on Sunset Drive and showed them the new surveillance tape from police.
"I don't recognize him at all," said Rosana Mattolo, the owner of Nikki's Beach Boutique. "I don't think I've ever seen him and I'm here every day, even on weekends."
Mattolo, whose business is next to Enjoy Boutique, said, "I'm in total shock. There's never been anything like this in this area."
Barbara Quanstrom, the owner of BlueFish Sport, told D'Oench, "This is horrible. It's an unfortunate situation. It's very surprising here in South Miami. It's very crowded with fitness-oriented people and surprising that somebody would to that in broad daylight.. It's just horrible and we'd all like to see him caught, absolutely."
Major Landa said the "blazer burglar" was apparently not aware that he was caught on camera. Police said his face is not familiar.
Anyone who can help South Miami Police is encouraged to call them or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
