Miami police bust alleged jewel bandits

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., April 10 (UPI) -- Four alleged jewel bandits have been arrested in Miami Beach, Fla., three days prior to a major jewelry convention in the city, investigators said.

The South American Theft Group Task Force interviewed suspects Wednesday, The Miami Herald reported. The investigation group, comprised of city and state federal officials and local police, said the suspects are likely part of a global theft operation, FBI spokeswoman Judy Orihuela said.

South Florida police reportedly have been on the look out for jewel bandits as Saturday's Spring Jewelers International Showcase approaches.

"They travel up and down the coast. You'll have what you'll think is just a burglary in Georgia, but it's really these guys, coming down from New York," said Robert Taylor, former Miami Beach detective.

Taylor has created the the Florida-based American Theft Group Intelligence Network to help law enforcement officers unite their efforts to crack down on jewel thieves.