8 Cuffed In Brazen East Bay Coffee Shop Electronics Thefts: Cops

EAST BAY, CA — Four men suspected of stealing laptops from customers at coffee shops were arrested in Alameda this week. The arrests were made between Oct. 19 and Nov. 2. Police in Alameda report that "other suspects have been identified and more arrests are expected." On Nov. 4, two adults and two juveniles were arrested in connection with a laptop theft at a Starbucks in Alamo.

The thefts of electronics from coffee shop customers have been reported across the East Bay for weeks. The brazen thieves snatch laptops, phones and small electronics from unsuspecting customers sitting inside and outside at Starbucks and other coffee shops. A few of the computers were left unattended as the owners walk around, but there have been many reports of laptops and phones taken as the owners worked on them.

In October, police said portable electronics were stolen from several people in at least three different Tri-Valley coffee shops. The first incident occurred in Pleasanton Oct. 23. The second was reported in Dublin on the same day. Another similar theft occurred in Livermore on Oct. 24. In all of the cases, police said three suspects targeted laptops and cellular phones from tables and purses.

Police remind customers to be aware of surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to the local police department. Police recommend customers keep their valuables out of sight and secured. They ask citizens to keep all items password protected and advise documenting all serial numbers.

See Also:

• Alameda Police Arrest 4 Laptop Thieves
  
• Coffee House Robbery Suspects Arrested In Contra Costa Co.
• Electronics Thieves Targeting Tri-Valley Coffee Shop Customers

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