Man arrested in connection to thefts from unlocked vehicles in Hollister

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION)

UPDATE 3/6/2020 3:40 p.m. A man has been arrested after an investigation into a series of thefts from vehicles in Hollister.

Officers responded to the area around Valencia Drive on Feb. 28 for a report of a laptop and other personal items being stolen from an unlocked vehicle. They were able to get surveillance footage from a neighbor showing a person of interest, which they released on social media.

Community members contacted police with leads about the suspect's identity, and investigators were able to follow up and get a search warrant for the suspect's house.

On March 5, officers served a search warrant in the 700 block of Le Mans Drive and arrested 39-year-old Jose Romero. During the search, police said they found some of the items that were reported stolen.

Romero was booked into the San Benito County Jail on receiving stolen property and grand theft charges.

PREVIOUS STORY: Hollister police are looking for a man who they say stole from unlocked vehicles.

It happened Saturday morning at about 2:30 near Valencia Way and Alicante Drive.

Police said the man reportedly stole a laptop and a backpack from a vehicle in the 600 block of Valencia Drive.

Anyone with information is asked to call Senior Officer Theresa Aguilera at 831-636-4330.