$230,000 In Persian Rugs Stolen From Burlingame Gallery: Police

BURLINGAME, CA — Hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of pricy Persian rugs were taken in a break-in this week in Burlingame, police report. In total, approximately $230,000 in rugs was stolen during an early morning burglary on Monday.

However, by Wednesday one suspect was in custody in the case, according to police.

"On Wednesday, August 2nd, BPD Investigations received information relating to a possible suspect who was one of those responsible for the burglary," Burlingame Police Lt Jay Kiely said. "That same individual was later stopped by a member of the Burlingame PD Community Response Team, and at the time of the traffic stop, was found to be in possession of nearly all of the remaining outstanding rugs."

The man, identified as 55-year-old John Edward Reed of Oakland, was arrested on burglary charges and for an outstanding warrant, according to Kiely. Jail booking records indicated Thursday that Reed was being held at the Redwood City jail without bail for violating parole.

Police believe that there is at least another suspect in the case. However, additional suspect information was not available.

Those involved are now allegedly selling the stolen rugs to other galleries in the region.

"Based on our investigation at this time, those involved in the burglary appear to be selling the stolen rugs to Persian rug galleries around the Bay Area," Kiely said. "The Burlingame Police Department asks that anyone
with additional information related to this crime contact the BPD Investigations Bureau."

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone