A routine patrol by a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Deputy led to the arrest of a prolific mail thief near the Cupertino Hotel. According to the Sheriff's Office, Deputy Plancarte was on a patrol check in Cupertino when he discovered mail discarded on the ground and observed a vehicle leaving the scene. A stop of the vehicle yielded additional stolen items, including mail, packages, credit cards, checks, and a methamphetamine pipe.

The investigation quickly turned fruitful, as the suspect, who had three prior convictions for identity theft, was not only out on bail for two pending cases but was once again caught in the act. The recovered loot totaled roughly 250 pieces of mail, affecting victims from the Cupertino and Mountain View areas. The unnamed suspect faces fresh charges as they sit in the Santa Clara County Main Jail, their fourth encounter with the law for similar offenses.

"Great job to Deputy Plancarte for catching this mail thief!" the Sheriff's Office exclaimed on Facebook, applauding the quick actions leading to the arrest.