Full Notification

San Mateo Police Officers were conducting proactive patrols of Marina Plaza Shopping Center when they caught a man breaking into a vehicle and stealing property. The man fled on foot and officers gave chase.  The man was subsequently arrested for various charges. An associated female driving a getaway vehicle was located and also arrested for similar charges.
 
On November 5, 2017, Sunday, at about 12:15 a.m., San Mateo Police Officers were conducting a proactive patrol of the Marina Plaza Shopping Center (2920 Norfolk St- Denny’s), due to the increase of auto burglaries in the area, when they heard a car alarm sounding. Officers observed a man, later identified as 30-year-old Peter Martinez, reaching into a vehicle through a broken car window and removing property. Martinez got into a white minivan driven by a female, later identified as 22-year-old Mayra Ruvalcaba, and drove away. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the minivan and Martinez jumped out and fled on foot with the stolen property. Officers pursued Martinez and eventually located him hiding in a bush nearby. Martinez was arrested for burglary, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, and evading police officers.
 
While officers pursued Martinez on foot, additional officers arrived on scene and contacted Ruvalcaba. Ruvalcaba was consequently arrested for burglary, conspiracy, and evading police officers. Martinez and Ruvalcaba were later transported to San Mateo County Jail.
 
In recent months, the city and county of San Mateo and region have seen an enormous increase in auto burglaries. SMPD is taking steps to combat this and we are asking our communities help by protecting themselves and to “harden their targets” by not leaving anything of value in your vehicle. Below are some additional tips to better protect yourself from becoming a victim.  
 
Take preventative measures
            Don’t leave valuables in plain view
            Lock your doors
            Be aware of your surroundings
            Report suspicious persons
 
What to look for…
Suspicious Activity
            Vehicles backed into a parking stall with the driver still in the vehicle
            Persons walking up and down aisles
            Persons looking into vehicles and/or checking door handles for unlocked
            vehicles                        
 
            Vehicles roaming the parking lot with no apparent purpose
 
If you’re a victim or witness…
Reporting suspicious activity
Dispatchers will ask what the person is wearing, direction of travel, associated vehicle and license plate number, and what the suspicious behavior is.
 
ARRESTED:
30-year-old Oakland resident Peter Martinez
22-year-old Oakland resident Mayra Ruvalcaba
 
PIO:
Sergeant Amanda Von Glahn can be contacted through email [email protected]