Package Thieves Caught Thanks To Residents' Calls For Help In SMC: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — Two people were arrested Monday after Belmont package thefts were traced to a vehicle found in San Mateo, police said.

Between 7:34 and 7:41 a.m., San Mateo police received reports of suspicious activity on the 4100 block of George Avenue. One resident reported someone may have tried to steal a tire from a vehicle, while another reported three suspicious people lingering in the area amid recent package thefts, authorities said.

One witness provided a description and license plate of a vehicle believed to be connected to the incidents. About 40 minutes later, an officer located the unoccupied vehicle parked behind another car at the Laurie Meadows Shopping Center.

Restaurant employees told officers two people associated with the vehicle were inside the business. Officers contacted them after they exited and identified them as Ernie Suazo, 31, of San Jose, and Jessica Navarro, 48, of Redwood City.

A search of the vehicle uncovered packages belonging to several Belmont residents and an official document belonging to an East Palo Alto resident, police said. Three victims confirmed their delivered packages had been stolen.

Suazo was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property and for violating probation, officials said. Navarro was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property and theft with two or more prior convictions, police said.

Police said they are working to identify additional victims and are continuing to investigate whether a third person seen riding a bicycle was involved.