Crime & Safety
Good Samaritans Stop Laptop Thieves In 2 East Bay Cities
In addition, BART Police arrested 3 juveniles for stealing a laptop in a third city.
EAST BAY AREA, CA — Good Samaritans stepped in to stop laptop thieves at Starbucks in both San Leandro and Antioch, police report. In addition, BART Police arrested 3 juveniles for stealing a laptop in Oakland.
Last Friday, April 6, a teen grabbed a laptop from a customer at the Starbucks on MacArthur Boulevard in San Leandro and took off running. The victim chased after the suspect and was joined by other patrons of the coffee shop. The suspect dropped the computer as he ran, but couldn't get into the waiting getaway car.
The victim and Good Samaritans detained the suspect until police arrived. Paris Williams of Oakland has been charged with Grand Theft. Police identify the getaway driver as Roosevelt Curry of Berkeley. He was taken into custody but the DA's Office did not charge him in the case.
Find out what's happening in San Leandrofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On Monday, two men were arrested in Antioch after trying to steal a laptop. One of the suspects was held by patrons, while police caught the other suspect. A 19-year-old Brentwood resident and 21-year-old Bay Point resident -- whose names weren't given -- were taken to the Contra Costa County Jail on suspicion of grand theft and other offenses.
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Find out what's happening in San Leandrofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On Tuesday, three 15-year-old juveniles were arrested by BART Police at the Lake Merritt station in Oakland after being positively identified in the theft of a laptop. The juveniles were booked into Juvenile Hall. Their names have not been released.
"Laptop thefts from coffee shop patrons are becoming very popular amongst criminals," said San Leandro Police Lt. Isaac Benabou. "We have seen a sharp increase in this type of crime in San Leandro and surrounding areas. We urge everyone to be more aware of your surroundings as these crimes are easily preventable."
San Leandro Police produced a safety video on these types of crimes. The video explains what to look for and how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
— Bay City News contributed to this report; Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch
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