Redwood City Police Department cracked down on a trio of attempted auto thieves late Thursday night, taking them into custody after they reportedly attempted to swipe a vehicle using high-tech burglary tools. According to a press release from the department, police responded to a call on the 3500 block of Page Street, where two males were seen breaking into a car before hightailing it in a silver Toyota Prius.
Detectives from the RCPD Street Crime Suppression Team, who were already patrolling nearby areas, spotted the silver Prius at Spring St and 10th Ave, escaping from the direction of the reported incident. They performed a routine traffic stop and identified three suspects: Steven Dominguez Sanchez, 19, of Redwood City, and Oakland residents Luis Cisneros and Kevin LeivaHernandez, both 19.
Upon investigation, it was found that the men had an electronic device designed to reprogram car keys, a common tool among modern car thieves. With this evidence, authorities arrested and booked the three suspects for attempted auto theft, conspiracy, and possession of burglary tools in the San Mateo County Jail. Lieutenant Nick Perna of the Redwood City Police Department Investigations Division confirmed the arrests and the charges in an approved statement for distribution.
In response to these events, the Redwood City Police advise residents to take extra measures to secure their vehicles. Simple actions such as keeping cars locked, keys secured, and parking inside garages when available can deter theft. They also recommend employing physical steering wheel locks to prevent vehicular theft, even in cases where the engine is started. For those with information regarding the attempted auto theft incident, RCPD has requested the public to contact them at 650-780-7100 or utilize their Tip Line at 650-780-7110 for any Redwood City cases.
