MIAMI BEACH, FL – A suspected car thief accused of targeting luxury vehicles at a prestigious Miami Beach hotel is now in custody, authorities announced. The arrest follows months of diligent investigation by local detectives who connected the suspect to a larger car theft operation.
The alleged thief, 24-year-old Gregory Yardie, was captured on video slipping into a valet area filled with key fobs for high-end cars. Police believe Yardie managed to steal key fobs linked to nearly $2 million worth of vehicles from the upscale Satie Hotel last July. Unaware of the breach, valet workers continued their duties, leaving the storage room unguarded.
Miami Beach Police Department detectives were persistent, employing various investigative techniques to identify and apprehend Yardie. “Our investigators were very persistent and through investigative means, they were able to identify the offender and apprehend him,” a police spokesperson said.
Yardie now faces multiple charges, including grand theft, for allegedly stealing a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes wagon, and Rolls-Royce. He appeared in court on Tuesday to face these charges. The investigation traced the theft of a blue Rolls-Royce and a Mercedes G-Wagon back to Yardie, among other luxury vehicles.
Surveillance footage revealed Yardie stealthily maneuvering to avoid detection. In the ensuing months, police leveraged every available resource, including testimonies from valet staff on duty during the theft, to crack the case.
The Miami Beach Police Chief praised the detectives for their exceptional work in solving the case. “If you come to our city and victimize our residents or visitors, you will be identified and you will be arrested,” the chief warned.
Yardie remains in custody, facing charges of burglary of an occupied structure, among others. Investigators suspect that Yardie did not act alone and are actively pursuing leads on at least two accomplices involved in the brazen heist.