Vehicular Burglars in Custody

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Date: November 10, 2009
Contact: PIO Jason Zuhlke
Subject: Vehicular Burglars in Custody

Santa Fe Springs, CA. – Whittier Police Officers have arrested two suspects believed to be responsible for multiple vehicular burglaries. In the afternoon hours of November 9th, Patrol Officers assigned to Santa Fe Springs, were patrolling the parking lot of LA Fitness in the area of Telegraph Road and Carmenita Road due to frequent vehicular burglaries occurring in the area. While investigating, an Officer was flagged-down by a truck driver who had just witnessed someone “checking car doors” in the parking lot. According to the witness, the suspicious man and woman had been seen entering a gold Toyota Camry.

While investigating further, Officers were contacted at 4:00pm by the owner of a Black Honda who had just become the victim of a vehicular burglary. While the victim was cancelling his credit cards, he was advised by the credit card company that his credit card was being used at Target. Officers responded to the store and saw a gold Toyota Camry leaving the parking lot. A traffic stop was initiated and ultimately a man (driver) and woman were detained. Inside the car were countless credit cards, cell phones, computers, and other personal effects. Also located was a wireless “air card” that had just been stolen from the Sprint Store adjacent Target.

Due to the volume of the suspected stolen items, Santa Fe Springs Detectives were called to assist. Jose Magallon (34 yrs) of Baldwin Park and Rayna Ramirez (19 yrs) of Baldwin Park were ultimately arrested for receiving stolen property and burglary. While other potential victims are being identified, detectives have determined the duo is responsible for two burglaries in Artesia and one burglary in West Covina in addition to the burglary in Santa Fe Springs.

All citizens are reminded never to leave anything of value in plain sight inside your car. During an interview with the arrestees, they shared “they would not break into a car unless something was in plain sight.” Captain Aviv Bar of the Whittier Police Department was also quoted as saying, “We have been working diligently to educate Santa Fe Springs residents and businesses on how to reduce criminal activity in the community. This arrest is proof that basic crime prevention works well. If you don't leave valuables in plain view inside your vehicle, you could prevent a crime in the city.”

Media inquiries may be directed to PIO Jason Zuhlke at (562) 945-8282.

-END-