SMPD arrests auto burglar while patrolling burglary hot spots 
Auto burglar arrested after leaving one burglary hot spot and prowling in another. San Mateo police officers stopped this burglar in his tracks and reunited a victim with their stolen property.
On Monday, December 31, 2018, at 2:30 a.m., San Mateo police officers were on patrol when they spotted a car around Fashion Island Blvd / S Norfolk Street. Officers immediately recognized the car as a similar vehicle leaving the area of an auto burglary that occurred earlier that night. Surveillance cameras captured a black Honda Civic leaving the CalTrain parking lot located at 2 North B Street, where a purse was stolen after the car’s window was shattered.
The Honda Civic had lighting equipment issues and officers conducted a traffic stop to contact the driver. After providing false names to the officers, he was ultimately identified as Jose Diaz. A record check showed Diaz as having warrants out for his arrest.
After arresting Diaz, officers searched his car and found narcotics, drug paraphernalia, burglary tools, and a stolen purse. Officers connected the purse to an auto burglary that happened just a few hours before the traffic stop.
This was a great example of teamwork, quick thinking, and a coordinated effort by our officers. Jose Diaz was captured and prevented from victimizing another person. The purse was reunited with a grateful owner and Garcia was booked at San Mateo County Jail.
The San Mateo Police Department is taking steps to combat auto burglaries and we are asking for our community’s help to protect themselves by not leaving any valuables in plain view, locking their doors, and reporting suspicious activity. Together, we can make San Mateo an unfriendly place for thieves!
ARRESTED:
Jose Garcia Diaz 27-year-old from San Mateo
Booking Charges: Possession of stolen property, burglary tools, methamphetamines, and drug paraphernalia. He was also charged with providing a false name to police and his two narcotic warrants.
Please request booking photos from San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at [email protected].
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ofc. Michael Haobsh
650-522-7626
[email protected]
Address/Location
San Mateo, CA Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy
San Mateo, CA 94403
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 650-522-7700
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