Woman wanted for questioning in theft of $500,000+ worth of watches

Victim's friend took woman home after meeting her at nightclub, police say

MIAMI – Miami police said they are searching for a woman they want to question in connection with the theft of more than $500,000 worth of watches.

Surveillance video released Friday shows the woman in the elevator of an apartment building with a man. 

The video shows her wearing a black dress and high heels. She is later seen in the elevator wrapped in a blanket and carrying her shoes. The same man was with her in the elevator.

According to a Miami Police Department news release, the theft occurred between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Jan. 26 at an apartment building at 650 NE 32nd St.

Police said the victim, Rafi Leibowitz, 28, and his friend, who was visiting him from the Netherlands, went to STORY nightclub in Miami Beach the night before, where they met the woman.

Leibowitz told police that his friend and the woman went to Leibowitz's apartment after leaving the club, where they continued drinking.

Leibowitz said his friend told him he began to feel ill and drowsy after having more drinks at the apartment.

According to authorities, Leibowitz and another friend arrived to the apartment around 6 a.m. and found the woman and the other man on the living room couch.

Leibowitz told police the woman became upset and asked his friend to go with her to a bedroom, where they fell asleep.

She awakened around 10 a.m. and asked Leibowitz's friend to walk her out, police said.

Authorities said the woman refused to remove the gray blanket she had wrapped around her, which was seen in the surveillance video in the elevator. 

Eventually, around 2 p.m., Leibowitz noticed his two black watch cases were missing and he called police.

The stolen watches had a total value of more than $530,000, authorities said.  

Authorities are asking anyone who recognizes the woman to call the Miami Police Department at 305-603-6030. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.