Fencing Ring Tied To Thousands Of Dollars Of Stolen Merchandise Busted
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HIALEAH (CBSMiami) -- Police have busted a major fencing ring that has been tied to hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandise, according to a senior law enforcement source.
The source told CBS4's Jim DeFede that this was "major operation" that had been underway for several months. The source said the head of the fencing ring had been arrested and more arrests are expected in this ongoing operation.
Neighbors told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that they were stunned by the site of more than a dozen officers from multiple police agencies converging at the home at 440 East 54th St.
Miami-Dade Police spokesman Detective Alvaro Zabaleta said this was a joint operation involving Miami-Dade and Coral Gables Police.
Neighbor Laura Day told D'Oench, "I just saw a lot of undercover police. At first I saw Hialeah Police and then I saw Miami-Dade Police. It looked like they had their ducks in a row. They went in."
When Day heard what police were investigating, she said, "I don't like thieves. I hope they catch more of them. Praise God."
The activity at the house surprised neighbor Joe Phil.
"I think it's crazy," he said. "This is a calm area. Nothing like this ever goes on at all."
"Have you seen a lot of activity at the home?" asked D'Oench.
"No, not at all," said Phil. This is a big surprise, a big surprise."
One unidentified man said he lived in an apartment behind the home that was raided. He said the people living there were "good neighbors."