MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20200727-037
Monday, July 27, 2020
Patrol Of Auto Theft Hot Spot Nets Car Thief
San Mateo Police Department arrested one suspect targeting an auto theft hot spot and officers returned a stolen vehicle to its rightful owner.
San Mateo, CA – On Saturday, July 25, 2020, around 2:55 a.m., San Mateo Police Department officers were patrolling a recent auto theft hot spot in the 400 block of N Bayshore Blvd. Officers observed an occupied vehicle running inside the Best Western Coyote Point parking lot located at 480 N Bayshore Blvd.
Officers conducted a standard DMV record check and they were alerted the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Atherton, CA on July 20th. Officers swiftly moved in and safely took the solo occupant, driver into custody. The officers’ investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of a stolen vehicle, methamphetamines, and drug paraphernalia. In compliance with State and County COVID-19 regulations, the suspect was issued a felony citation and released from the San Mateo Police Department.
As the San Mateo Police Department continues to address this hot spot, we have some helpful tips on how to protect your car from theft.
Protect Your Ride
There are numerous antitheft systems and devices designed to make vehicles more difficult to steal or easier to trace and recover. Here are how some of them work:
- Audible and Visible Devices: These devices, such as a horn alarm, deter theft by bringing attention to an unauthorized attempt to steal or enter a vehicle. Visible devices create a visual threat/warning/deterrence, such as the use of steering-wheel locks, as well as theft-deterrent decals, flashing lights, and window etching.
- Immobilizing-Type Devices: These prevent thieves from bypassing a vehicle’s ignition system and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some incorporate computer chips in ignition keys or disable the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine.
- Vehicle Recovery Systems: These devices use electronic transmission technology that help law enforcement reveal the location of stolen vehicles—and possibly catch the thief in the act.
Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle:
- Take your vehicle's key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Park in well-lit areas if possible and within view of a security camera.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
Thieves want vehicle parts and valuable items, too:
Radios and wheel covers aren't the only popular stolen vehicle parts thieves take. They want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren't. Some of the most popular vehicle parts or valuable items stolen from vehicles include doors, lift gates, engines, transmissions, catalytic converters, air bags, radios, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops, and purses.
ARRESTED
Elvin Chamale-Pixtun, 36-year-old San Mateo resident
Charges: Auto theft (10851(a) CVC), grand theft auto (496(d) PC), possession of a dangerous drug (11377(a) HS), and possession of drug paraphernalia (11364 HS)
Please request booking photos from San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at [email protected].
MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Haobsh
Public Information Officer
Community & Media Relations
Direct: (650) 522-7626
Email:
[email protected]
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