Man Used Garage Door Openers To Burglarize Dublin Garages: Cops

DUBLIN, CA — A man accused of stealing property from unlocked cars and burglarizing several Dublin garages earlier this month was arrested in Castro Valley this week, police officials said. On Nov. 24, police were alerted to a theft from a car parked on Oak Knoll Drive in the Wallis Ranch Community in Dublin.

The suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Wade Rawlings, allegedly stole property from the unlocked car and several others in the area. While pilfering through the vehicles, Rawlings used the garage door openers he found inside to gain access to several garages in order to steal property, police said.

“During the commission of these crimes, the suspect stole several thousand dollars of property from five reported victims,” police said in a statement. “While initially searching the area, Dublin Police units located a green GMC pickup truck in the neighborhood, which was believed to be associated with the thefts.”

Officers tried to stop the truck but the driver allegedly fled toward Tassajara Road. After a brief chase, police terminated their pursuit in the interest of safety, police said.

A short time later, police said they found the same truck, which was unoccupied but contained property belonging to several victims from Oak Knoll Drive, in a parking garage located at 3061 Maguire Way in Dublin. Police said they returned several pieces of stolen property to victims.

Investigators identified Rawlings as the suspect and he was arrested on Nov. 28. Rawlings was booked into the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property, grand theft, and felony evasion.

See Also:

• Package Thief Caught On Camera, Danville Police Say
  
• Investigators Seek Leads In 1985 Homicide

Photo of Wade Rawlings courtesy DPD