The Salt Lake City Police Department has arrested two men for allegedly stealing from cars in the Sugar House neighborhood, with recovered items estimated to value between $2,000 and $3,000. The suspects, identified as 46-year-old Gabriel Esquibel and 42-year-old Robert Snell, have been booked on multiple charges, which include felony theft and vehicle burglary, according to SLCPD.
An alert citizen stumbled upon the crime in progress, calling in at 3:54 a.m. Sunday after noticing suspicious behavior on 2700 South Elizabeth Street. Officers who responded to the call found Esquibel and Snell and, upon a subsequent traffic stop, discovered various items including holiday shopping bags with receipts that did not align with the suspects' identities.
Given the evidence in the vehicle Esquibel drove, it is believed by authorities that the duo may be tied to further thefts yet unreported. The SLCPD has taken this opportunity to remind residents to keep their vehicles devoid of valuables, as prevention plays a crucial role in deterring potential thefts. They emphasize that the visibility of even trivial items can turn a car into an attractive target for thieves.
With the holiday season upon them, police have warned community members to take extra care. A no-nonsense approach such as the recommended "showroom clean," keeping cars empty of belongings, can significantly mitigate the risk of car prowls.
The department released several photos of the suspected stolen goods. "Keeping your car 'showroom clean,' by removing all items, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent car prowls," as stated by SLCPD. The department also extended gratitude towards the community member whose quick thinking led to the arrests.
Charges against Esquibel include felony theft, vehicle burglary, unlawful drug possession, unlawful possession of burglary tools, possessing a dangerous weapon, and a license plate violation. Snell faces charges of felony theft, vehicle burglary, drug possession, possession of burglary tools, and criminal trespass. It is important to note that all charges are merely allegations until proven guilty in a court of law.
