Earlier this week, Rocklin and Roseville residents faced a spree of vehicle break-ins, an unfortunate sign of the times as the holiday season ramps up. According to a social media post by the Rocklin Police Department, the rash of thefts occurred on Monday morning, sparking concern and a swift response by local law enforcement.
An "observant witness" played a key role in the development, relaying suspect and vehicle descriptions to the officers, as mentioned by the Rocklin Police Department – showcasing the impact that community vigilance can have in crime prevention. Aiding in the chase, police used technological tools to obtain the vehicle's license plate, which helped neighboring agencies spread the net wider, though the suspects and their vehicle initially managed to evade authorities.
However, the collaboration between law enforcement agencies bore fruit when the Roseville Police Department located and pulled over the vehicle shortly after. One of the suspects attempted an escape on foot across HWY 65, but both parties were eventually arrested. The suspects, identified as Juan Mateo, 22, and Damiano Ray, 20, from Elk Grove, were subsequently "hooked and booked" into the Placer County Jail.
With property crime on the rise during the holiday months, the Rocklin Police Department took the opportunity to send out a word of caution. "We’d like to use this as a reminder to not leave valuables in your vehicle," the department stated, pointing to the upswing in vehicle break-ins this season. They also expressed their gratitude towards the City of Roseville, and the California Police Department for their "partnership and collaboration."
