A Miami resident named Raúl Bello, aged 49, was apprehended on Tuesday by the Florida Highway Patrol. He is suspected of being involved in the theft of a refrigerated truck carrying frozen chicken valued at $100,000. According to police reports, the stolen semi-trailer was worth $80,000, with the attached cargo truck valued at $60,000, as reported by Local 10.
The theft occurred in the early hours of September 15. The victim had parked the vehicle near their home on Old State Road 9 and Northwest 155 Lane. They were alerted by their sister that the truck was missing. Upon returning, the victim found both the truck and the trailer gone.
Authorities tracked the stolen vehicle and spotted it later that day heading north on Interstate 95, followed by a white Nissan. On September 17, Bello was seen driving the Nissan away from an apartment complex in West Flagler. The investigation uncovered communications between him and an unidentified accomplice, leading to his arrest on multiple charges, including grand theft of cargo and illegal use of a communication device.
Bello was already on probation for previous offenses involving theft, assault, and possession of illegal weapons. He is currently held in the Metrowest Detention Center without bail.
Recent Crime Wave in Miami
In July 2024, Miami experienced several notable thefts. A Cuban woman, who owns a food store in Allapattah, caught a man stealing from her business thanks to security cameras, resulting in his arrest. This was not her first encounter with theft, as she had previously lost $10,000 in cash, tobacco, and medicines. Meanwhile, a Cuban resident reported his $100,000 truck stolen from outside his home, with the culprits still unidentified.
In August, a group of thieves targeted a luxury perfume store in Miami, making off with items worth over $40,000. This store had been robbed before, heightening security concerns in the city. In another incident, police arrested a man known as the "Christmas Grinch" after he stole packages from a Tesla in Coconut Grove. This individual was also involved in human trafficking, worsening his legal troubles.
Come September, two Cubans were arrested for their role in a spree of retail store thefts, with police finding $5,000 worth of stolen goods in their vehicle. Earlier, in June, another Cuban was caught after stealing a trailer loaded with $100,000 worth of goods, including tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Additionally, two men were filmed stealing a motorcycle in Little Havana, sparking significant debate about crime in the city.
These incidents highlight a troubling trend of high-value thefts in Miami. Recent events, such as the theft of vehicles, merchandise, and luxury store items, have increased concerns over the city's safety. Despite law enforcement efforts, the repeated offenses of individuals like Raúl Bello underscore the urgent need for stronger measures to combat the escalating crime wave affecting both residents and business owners.