Police Log: A busy holiday season for Martinez Police - thefts, stolen cars and suspicious people
The following information was taken from the Daily Police Log from Dec. 25 through Dec. 29, 2011.
December 25, 2011
Suspicious circumstances - 12:17 pm, Estudillo Street: A woman reported that there were people in the shed of her home, which is in foreclosure, going through her belongings.
Suspicious circumstances - 1:32 pm, Chase Bank on Alhambra Avenue: A woman reported that she was at an ATM machine and thought she saw a silouette of a man with a gun inside the bank, and another man standing by. Officers responded and found no problems.
Assault with a deadly weapon arrest - 2:13 pm, Alhambra Avenue: A man was arrested for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after another man was found bleeding from the head.
Drunken driving - 6:23 pm, McDonald’s on Arnold Drive: A driver reported that they were in line at the drive through and that three people in the truck ahead of them were throwing beer bottles out of the vehicle.
Suspicious person - 6:25 pm, Berrellesa Street: An elderly man was seen carrying a blanket and walking barefoot down the street.
December 26
Suspicious circumstances - 8:13 am, Alhambra Valley Road and Alhambra Avenue: Two men were reportedly trying to steal a truck, ripped the door handle off. They were gone when officers arrived.
Petty theft - 11:03 am, Tacoma Avenue: A stereo and other items were stolen from an unlocked car.
Lost board - 11:08 am, Westaire Boulevard and Brady Street: A parent reported that their child’s long board (skateboard) went down a storm drain.
Stolen car - 2:46pm, Brooksview Court: A car was stolen at between 2 am and 2:40 pm.
December 27
Suspicious Circumstances - 4:18 am, Estudillo Street: A resident reported hearing sawing under their house, like someone was stealing copper.
Animal call - 7:03 am, Franklin Canyon Road: Loose horses were reported in the road.
Petty theft - 7:55 am, Lassen Drive: Mail was stolen from this home during the night.
Petty theft - 8:29 am, Lassen Drive: Parts of a vehicle console and other items were reported stolen.
Theft from vehicle - 8:48 am, Olympic Drive: The resident came out and found his hood and doors open.
Suspicious person - 9:44 am, Alhambra Avenue: A naked man was reportedly running around the house, causing a disturbance.
Petty Theft - 9:51 am, Olympic Drive: School books were stolen from a car.
Theft from car - 10:53 am, Sequoia Drive: Paperwork was stolen from a car.
Juvenile Disturbance - 4:40 pm, Center Avenue: Two juveniles were reported setting off fireworks near some dry weeds near the play structure.
Stolen car - 5:56 pm, Center Court: A car was reported stolen on this street.
December 28
Stolen car - 12:39 am, Hiller Lane: A 2001 Ford Mustang was stolen, the reporting party heard the alarm go off and watched the car leave the driveway.
Accident - 9:30 am, St. Mary’s Street: Two vehicles were in a collision and a person was injured.
Traffic violation - 11:39 am, Hidden Lakes Drive and Spring Lake Drive: A resident witnessed a postal truck speeding and drive through a stop sign.
Suspicious circumstances - 11:49 am, Grandview Avenue: A resident reported that a man with rotted front teeth came to the door asking questions about the resident’s dryer, but she wasn’t having any problems with her dryer. He was gone when police arrived.
Grand theft - 2:47 am, Thistle Way: Jewelry was taken from a bedroom of a home.
December 29
Theft from car - 8:07 am, Silverwood Drive: A driver’s side window was smashed.
Petty theft - 12:13 pm, Brown Street: Mail was taken out of a mailbox and found ripped up four blocks away.
Petty theft - 4:47 pm, Ferry Street: A package was taken off of a porch.
Stolen car - 5:12 pm, F Street: A car was stolen from the Hillside Apartments.
Jay Graving
3:06 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Mail theft is gaining in popularity all across the country. As a homeowner you definitely need to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to mail theft. By not having a locking mailbox you're basically giving a stranger the key to the front door of your home. I bought one 6 years ago and won't ever be without one again. A locking mailbox is a cheap price to pay for the security and piece of mind it brings.
Jay Graving
www.lockingmailboxstore.com
Mark Glieden
5:18 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012
The mail carriers in this town are either poorly trained or they just don't care about the people they deliver to. I've had one carrier standing in front of my door swearing while he was on the phone, they always walk through my yard and worst is when they leave my mailbox open, even after I post a sign to close it. When I asked this poor excuse for a mail carrier why she doesn't close my mailbox, she asked me why I wanted it closed. It was as if she had never heard of people stealing mail or ID theft. She needs to be trained or fired.
Chris Kapsalis
11:16 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Dry weeds in January?? hmmm. "Juvenile Disturbance - 4:40 pm, Center Avenue: Two juveniles were reported setting off fireworks near some dry weeds near the play structure."