Coral Gables homeowner: Crime ring behind theft of paintings - WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miami Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida homeowner believes he was targeted by professional criminals when, police said, five paintings valued at about $200,000 were stolen from his home.

The empty frames still hung on art collector Eduardo Goudie's Coral Gables home. "I do have a lot of art. I like to collect things," he said.

According to Coral Gables Police, thieves broke into his new residence and took off with the artwork on April 3. He said he was in the process of moving in at the time of the theft.

Goudie said the perpetrators cut the canvases right out of the frames. When asked whether he was shocked when he discovered his paintings were missing, he replied, "Completely."

Four of the five paintings stolen were from Cuban artists, including Alexander Mijares, René Portocarrero and Leopoldo Romañach. Among the stolen artwork is an abstract painting by Dr. A. Anguerdin symbolizing Cuba's independence from Spain.

Goudie believes the artwork may be floating around on the black market. "It has to be, or it went directly to somebody," he said.

The homeowner said it's possible a collector who specifically wanted the prized paintings ordered the break-in. He told 7News he had several other paintings stolen from his previous residence about four years ago.

Goudie said he is certain an art theft ring is to blame for the incident. "I think the ring of art thieves is probably stealing from other people," he said.

If you have any information on this theft, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward