A serial golf course thief is behind bars after Miami Shores police announced the arrest of Ivan Urquiza, 54, on June 4. Urquiza, who operated under the alias "Philip Vincente," has been accused of stealing expensive items from golfers across the nation for over a decade.
The investigation began after a theft at Miami Shores Country Club on May 30. Richard Do, the victim, reported his backpack containing an $18,000 Rolex watch, a firearm, cash, and personal identification documents missing from his golf cart during play. Days later, Do's backpack was found in a trash can and surveillance footage identified Urquiza as the perpetrator. Using license plate readers, police traced Urquiza to a residence on South Bayshore Drive.
Miami Shores Police, in collaboration with the Miami Police Department, apprehended Urquiza, who had been evading capture since 2013. He was found in possession of the stolen items from the May 30 theft. Additional surveillance footage linked him to a similar incident at the same golf club on January 15.
Ivan Urquiza, who used the alias "Philip Vincente"
Authorities revealed that Urquiza frequented golf courses daily, blending in with golfers and exploiting the affluent environment to commit thefts. "A gentleman appeared to be on the phone with a single golf club. We saw the whole thing ... he went to the golf bag and took out a wallet," said Resa Strickland, operations manager at Miami Shores Country Club.
Urquiza's criminal activities extended beyond theft. He used the website Sugardaddy.com to lure young women into believing he was wealthy, further exploiting them.
"Given the scope of his activities, we suspect there are additional victims," police stated.
On Tuesday, Urquiza appeared in a Miami-Dade courtroom where a judge confirmed his multiple out-of-state warrants for theft and probation violations. He waived extradition on these warrants and was ordered to stay away from Miami Shores Country Club. Due to the existing warrants, he was denied bail and is being held at the Metro West Detention Center.
Urquiza faces charges of third-degree grand theft, unlawful possession of a stolen debit or credit card, unlawful possession of five or more identifications and dealing in stolen property. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Urquiza is urged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477 or the Miami Shores Police Department at 305-759-2468.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Richard Do expressed relief.
"I'm so grateful he's off the streets. I got a word for all the golfers out there, be careful, you never know who's who."
As golf's popularity rises, so does the incidence of golf-related crimes, making Urquiza's arrest a significant relief for the golfing community.