Cameras most helpful when turned on
On Monday evening of July 1st, there were two criminals who were breaking into cars by Stanley Middle School. Our cameras were turned off but another neighbor also was broken into and had their cameras working.
The suspects fled the scene but left the stolen iPad in the "on" position. I followed the iPad into Oakland (by Coliseum) and tracked the suspects to a liquor store. I managed to follow the iPad outside the store to a nearby residence. I immediately went to the Lafayette Police Station and reported the stolen iPad and location to Officer MacDonald and the detectives.
There is actually more to apprehending suspects than I realized. You have to have burden of proof to search and show the car in the area of the crime. As the detective worked on the case, in front of me, they found out the suspects stole the license plate of the same exact car and that the car they were driving (Blue Highlander) was in fact stolen. As the police approached the location of the iPad, the iPad was turned off and the suspects got away.
Within 24 hours, the suspects totaled the car in an accident and fled the scene. Much of the non-valuable stolen property was recovered in the car by Officer MacDonald. It is a reminder to everyone to stay vigilant and safe. Make sure cars are locked and investing in a camera system really helps the police do their job.
Butch Haze
Lafayette
On Monday evening of July 1st, there were two criminals who were breaking into cars by Stanley Middle School. Our cameras were turned off but another neighbor also was broken into and had their cameras working.
The suspects fled the scene but left the stolen iPad in the "on" position. I followed the iPad into Oakland (by Coliseum) and tracked the suspects to a liquor store. I managed to follow the iPad outside the store to a nearby residence. I immediately went to the Lafayette Police Station and reported the stolen iPad and location to Officer MacDonald and the detectives.
There is actually more to apprehending suspects than I realized. You have to have burden of proof to search and show the car in the area of the crime. As the detective worked on the case, in front of me, they found out the suspects stole the license plate of the same exact car and that the car they were driving (Blue Highlander) was in fact stolen. As the police approached the location of the iPad, the iPad was turned off and the suspects got away.
Within 24 hours, the suspects totaled the car in an accident and fled the scene. Much of the non-valuable stolen property was recovered in the car by Officer MacDonald. It is a reminder to everyone to stay vigilant and safe. Make sure cars are locked and investing in a camera system really helps the police do their job.
Butch Haze
Lafayette
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA