Woman Accused Of Pickpocketing Aventura Mall Customers

AVENTURA, FL — A 58-year-old woman with a butterfly tattoo and an apparent penchant for wigs, was arrested on Saturday in connection with a string of pickpocket thefts at Aventura Mall. Silvia Lorenzo was charged with grand theft stemming from three separate incidents and may face additional charges related to "several" other incidents. Police said the thefts occurred at Victoria's Secret, Gap Kids and Gap Inc.

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"During the month of November, the Aventura Police Department conducted an investigation after multiple victims came forward indicating that their wallets were stolen while they were shopping at various stores at Aventura Mall," explained Sgt. Chris Goranitis of the Aventura Police Department in announcing the arrest on Monday.

"These thefts were all determined to be 'pickpocket' style thefts. An investigation was initiated and video surveillance from multiple stores revealed a common suspect," he said.

In one case, the victim was waiting in line to pay at Gap Kids when she was allegedly targeted by Lorenzo, who was wearing a long black wig, according to court documents. Lorenzo lives in the 600 block of NE 161st Street in Miami.

"Lorenzo was observed behind the victim while she was at the counter [giving] the items to the sales associate in the cash register, at which time Lorenzo used a piece of clothing to cover her hands while she stepped closer to the victim and removed the wallet from inside her purse," court documents stated. "Once the wallet was removed, Lorenzo was observed leave the clothing items inside the store and exit without making any purchase."

The victim's $1,300 wallet was later found in a restroom by the Grand Lux Cafe, the documents said. The wallet was missing $500 in cash.

"Shoppers are encouraged to be vigilant of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity or suspicious individuals to mall security or police," Goranitis added.

Police released surveillance video of accused "pickpocket" Silvia Lorenzo at the Aventura Mall.

Aventura Mall is located at 19501 Biscayne Boulevard.

Police released an image they believe to be Silvia Lorenzo at the Aventura Mall. Photo and video courtesy Aventura Police Department