LBPD Uses Social Media to Help Return Stolen Goods

The Long Beach Police Department is using social media in an attempt to get stolen goods back to their rightful owners. 

The department turned to Facebook, as they tried to match items stolen from nearly 20 cars — they posted photos to their Facebook page of stolen goods, including cell phones, iPods, GPS navigator and laptop computers.

All stolen items, according to a police statement, were allegedly recovered from Vincent Benjamin Hamlin, 32, and Daisy Serrano, 23, both of Long Beach. They were arrested November 1, after a burglary call came in around 3 a.m. from the 5300 block of East Canton Street.

A description of their vehicle was given to local police agencies. Hamlin and Serrano were arrested by California Highway Patrol officers, who stopped their vehicle on the northbound San Diego Freeway, according to a press release.  After the arrest, officers learned that Hamlin is on parole for burglary, and Serrano is on probation for receiving stolen property. 

A search warrant was obtained by detectives, who searched the home of Hamlin and Serrano and found a motorcycle, as well as credit card and statements in the names of nearly 20 different people. They also recovered cameras, jewelry and gift cards — police stated that some of the property was stolen as long ago as 2009.

The Long Beach Police Department is urging anyone who has been the victim of an auto burglary to visit the Long Beach Police Department’s Facebook page and view the album Auto Burglary Property to see if any of the stolen items belong to you or someone you know. 

Here are some safety tips for residents from the LBPD:

• Remember to keep windows closed and doors locked. Four percent of auto thefts occur due to unlocked doors or windows left down. 
• Keep valuable items out of plain sight. It is preferable that nothing of value is kept in the car at all, however, if something must remain inside, ensure it is covered or locked in an interior compartment (glove box, center console) if possible.  
• Report suspicious activity to the police. If you see anyone looking into cars or residences call police immediately and let them determine if criminal activity is taking place. Often times people who are caught breaking into cars and homes have a history of auto and/or residential burglary.