ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Police carried out a two-day operation targeting thieves at the Orlando Premium Outlets last week, leading to the recovery of thousands of dollars in merchandise and four arrests.
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On February 23, the first day of the operation, police say they observed a couple stealing from one of the stores.
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Officers confronted the couple, identified as 24-year-old Daryl Almenares and 33-year-old Yaniris Lugo-Montano and found more than $700 in cash on them. A search of their car yielded another $17,000 worth of stolen merchandise, according to police.
The next day, police caught another couple in the act at a store on International Drive. Officers watched 52-year-old Raul Huerta-Huerta and 47-year-old Maruja Arotaipe-Teran as they left the area and tracked the couple to a hotel on Universal Boulevard.
RETAIL THEFT: ODPD arrests 2 couples w/ more than $36,000 of stolen merchandiseThanks to the effective teamwork by our West Patrol Division Officers, International Drive Bikes, and our Detectives at OPD's Crime Center, 4 people were arrested in a 2-day Retail Theft Operation throughout the International Drive Corridor. The two couples were found with more than $36,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Remember! If you #SeeSomethingSaySomething 📞The anonymous tip line Central Florida Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS (8477).
Posted by Orlando Police Department on Wednesday, March 2, 2022
There, police say they found another $18,000 worth of stolen merchandise in the couple’s room and car.
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“This demonstrates the daily commitment and dedication members of the Orlando Police Department have in working together to keep our residents, businesses, and visitors safe,” Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said in a statement.
Police say both couples had traveled to Orlando from Miami.
Investigators are still working to determine whether the thefts might be connected to any others.
They’re asking anyone with more information about the two couples and their trip to Orlando, or related activity, to call their non-emergency dispatch line at (321) 235-5300 or contact Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477.
Crimeline callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if the information leads to an arrest.
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