Related videos:
Two Cuban women were arrested accused of participating in a series of robberies at Public Storage facilities in Southwest Miami.
The incidents occurred at two main locations: 12800 SW 128th Street and 12625 SW 137th Avenue, where the reported losses exceed $21,000 in tools, clothing, electronics, and personal items.
The suspects, Yelena Blanco-Álvarez, 25 years old, and Gisell Sotolongo-Mesa, 39 years old, employed a systematic method: they rented units in the same complexes, cut the locks of neighboring units, and replaced them with new ones to prevent the victims from noticing the theft.
Surveillance cameras captured the accused taking suitcases and other items from the warehouses, according to Telemundo 51, citing the police report as the source.
The case was uncovered thanks to reports from victims, José Brito and Emilio Díaz, who identified their belongings in the security footage.
The investigation revealed that the thefts had been occurring since August 2024, and some witnesses, including facility managers, identified the suspects.
On January 23, Blanco-Álvarez was arrested during a traffic stop in which burglary tools were found in her vehicle.
Hours later, Sotolongo-Mesa was arrested at her residence. One of them confessed to her involvement in the events.
Both are facing charges of robbery, grand theft, possession of burglary tools, and, in the case of Blanco-Álvarez, trafficking in amphetamines.
Both were out on bail for previous offenses.
Authorities have advised users of storage units to regularly monitor their belongings and report any suspicious activity to prevent future incidents.
Founded in 1972, Public Storage is a leading American company in the personal and commercial storage sector. With thousands of facilities primarily in the United States and Europe, it is one of the largest in the world in its category.
Public Storage offers storage spaces of various sizes that customers can rent to store personal belongings, documents, goods, furniture, or vehicles. Customers have access to their units with keys or security codes during specific hours.
Filed under: