A 20-year-old woman has been sentenced to five years of probation after being accused of robbing men in Miami hotel rooms, according to Law & Crime.
Esther Maria Torres was arrested in May and charged with two counts of armed robbery in connection with incidents earlier this year. Police say Torres targeted male tourists by luring them to hotel rooms, where she then used pepper spray and stole their valuables.
According to Local 10 News, one incident occurred on March 26 at the Breakwater Hotel, where Torres allegedly stole a tourist’s Hugo Boss watch and wallet. Just four days later, police say she struck again at the Fontainebleau Hotel, this time making off with a Rolex Submariner valued at $22,000.
Torres was identified through surveillance footage and a subsequent traffic stop involving a man linked to one of the robberies. She arrived at the scene during the stop and was taken into custody. Police bodycam footage of her arrest was later obtained by Local 10 News.
A judge initially ordered that Torres be held without bond. WSVN 7News reported that investigators also received help from Mitch Novick, owner of the Sherbrooke Hotel, who provided surveillance footage that helped identify the suspect.
“We have a predator, and she’s preying on male victims,” Novick told the outlet.
Staying Safe in Tourist Hotspots
Authorities say these types of crimes are often crimes of opportunity—when thieves take advantage of distracted or vulnerable individuals. High-value items such as watches, phones, and wallets are frequent targets, especially in areas popular with tourists.
To stay safe while traveling:
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Keep valuables out of sight or locked away.
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Avoid wearing flashy items when alone or out late.
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Be cautious of overly friendly strangers.
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If you’re with a group, have someone keep an eye on everyone’s belongings.
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Don’t leave items visible in your car, even briefly.
Whether you’re relaxing or out on the town, staying alert can help keep you—and your belongings—safe.
