MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20190912-050
Thursday, September 12, 2019
SMPD Arrests Auto Burglars and Recovers Property
San Mateo Police Department arrested two thieves targeting the Laurie Meadows neighborhood thanks to a witness. Officers stopped these suspects at a nearby convenience store and recovered stolen items.
San Mateo, CA – On Thursday, September 12, 2019, around 4:00 A.M. San Mateo Police Department officers detained two suspects after a series of early morning auto burglaries and later arrested them on theft related charges. The suspects were found to be in possession of stolen property from nearby vehicles. An alert San Matean is to thank for stopping these criminals by immediately calling police at the onset of suspicious activity.
Early Thursday morning, San Mateo Police Department officers were dispatched to the 4000 block of George Avenue regarding suspicious men casing for unlocked cars in the area. The caller provided a detailed description of the men and told police dispatch he sounded his car alarm, which temporarily scared the burglars away. A team of officers saturated the neighborhood and spotted suspects matching the description driving away in a Dodge Durango. Both men were stopped in the Laurie Meadows Shopping Center and found to be in possession of stolen property from a nearby unlocked car, in addition to other possible stolen property.
The suspects were arrested and booked at San Mateo County Main Jail on theft related charges. San Mateo Police are actively working this investigation and have alerted neighboring jurisdictions to their criminal activity. Anyone with additional information and/or surveillance footage is encouraged to contact SMPD at (650) 522-7200.
Here are 3 things that our public can do to help us stop and solve crime:
1. Lock it, stow, it keep it! – Make sure valuables are out of sight within your vehicle and lock your doors. These are two actions that can most effectively protect you from being a victim of opportunistic property crime.
2. “See Something, Say Something!” – You are our greatest asset. Dial 911 to report suspicious or criminal activity. Our officers continue to proactively patrol San Mateo, but they are eager to respond and catch criminals in the act!
3. Register your street-facing video security cameras with SMPD – Participate in SMPD’s Neighborhood Eyes Security Team (NEST) by registering your doorbell or other security cameras with us.
ARRESTED
Christopher Jongejan, 29-year-old San Mateo resident
Charges: Petty theft (484(a) PC), conspiracy to commit crime (182(a)1 PC), and a probation violation (1203.6 PC)
Frank Volonoski, 21-year-old San Carlos resident
Charges: Possession of stolen property (496(a) PC), petty theft (484(a) PC), and conspiracy to commit crime (182(a)1 PC).
MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Haobsh
Public Information Officer
Community & Media Relations
Direct: (650) 522-7626
Email: [email protected]
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