Two individuals have been apprehended following a series of burglaries targeting storage units across Southern California, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. Identified as 31-year-old Eric Navarrete and 31-year-old Kassandra Arteaga, the duo allegedly carried out thefts in storage facilities across San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties. A variety of valuables, including medical supplies and collectibles, have been discovered in their possession, with some of the recovered goods estimated to be over $100,000 in value.
Following a tip-off and surveillance images from the facilities, a break in the case was made when the Rialto Police Department executed search warrants at a San Bernardino storage location and the suspects' Fontana residence, as CBS News Los Angeles described. Among the stolen items was everything from power tools to sporting equipment, and a Batman and Batmobile toy which the suspects would often sell online. Victoriously claiming back a dollhouse he'd purchased for his daughter for Christmas, one man linked himself to his items as he exited his vehicle, according to Sgt. David Padilla's observations.
Efforts to reunite owners with their belongings have been partly successful, with Rialto Police returning over $64,000 worth of property so far. Victims of the burglaries have been contacted by law enforcement to identify and reclaim their possessions, a reassurance against the anonymity of loss that so often shadows the aftermath of theft. A statement given to NBC Los Angeles by Xiang Yan, a victim who had dental supplies stolen, was not expecting the return of his valuables: "I didn't know they can find my stuff back because it's–it's a like high value."
The Rialto Police Department's Instagram post commended the community and Detective Herrera's exemplary investigative work. People possibly affected by the burglaries are encouraged to contact Detective Herrera directly for assistance in a dance of law and civic duty playing out on the ledger of community trust.
