Hesperia Deputies Crack Five-Month Old Burglary Case

HESPERIA – Detectives from two different task forces cracked a five-month-old burglary and grand theft case with an arrest on Tuesday.

On Thursday, Derek Allen Dodds, 29, of Victorville, was charged with commercial burglary, possession of stolen property and a narcotics violation. Investigators believe there are more victims, in addition to other suspects, leaving the case open.

Dodds was using his home in this upscale Victorville neighborhood as storage for his stolen loot

He was arrested on Tuesday when detectives from the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station, assisted by deputies from the Hesperia Gang Team, served a search warrant in the 14600 block of Equestrian Way in Victorville.

Reports stated that property was recovered from related thefts, including furniture, electronics, numerous firearms, safes, collectables and clothing, according to Sgt. Doug Hubbard.

In October 2012, several theft reports were taken from Hesperia storage facilities where unknown suspects had entered various storage lockers and stealing personal property, including firearms and home furnishings. Reportedly, the total value was several thousand dollars.

Investigators determined that Dodds, and possibly others, were legitimately renting storage lockers from the various businesses in order to gain access, including pass codes, to the facilities as regular customers. While on the grounds, the suspect would force entry into other storage lockers, taking valuables and other items.

Investigators completed a detailed review of facility records, eventually determining that Dodds’ vehicle was involved in the thefts.

Two stolen dirt bike motorcycles, and a third suspected of being stolen, along with a non-reported amount of Methamphetamine were also recovered. Investigators also determined that Dodds had been involved with similar thefts in the Corona area, in neighboring Riverside County. Reports there concluded that storage facilities had been infiltrated in the same manner.

Investigators also believe that Dodds is a suspect in similar thefts in neighboring Apple Valley and, possibly, the San Bernardino area.

Dodds was located and arrested without incident, according to reports, and later booked at the Victorville Jail.