Security Cameras Nab Construction Site Burglars
June 12, 2013 – Carpinteria
Robert Donohue
Hope Ranch, just north of the City of Santa Barbara, features sprawling multi-acre lots with elegant homes to match. Whenever construction of a new residence or a major remodel is in progress, contractors and their carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and assorted tradesmen bring large quantities of valuable supplies and equipment with them. The site on exclusive, ocean-front Marina Drive, where a home is currently being built can also be a magnet for those who would steal materials and tools, which is why it’s now commonplace for video security to be in place.
Just at dawn on Sunday morning June 9th, security company operators, monitoring cameras in place at the job site, called Santa Barbara County Sheriffs to report suspicious activity observed by them. According to SBSD Public Information Officer Kelly Hoover, “by the time Deputies arrived, the suspects had fled.” But responding deputies were informed by the security company that their cameras had recorded “two suspects in a gold van illegally entering the property,” and then spending time walking around the property.
Joseph Espinoza
Deputies departed the scene with a complete description of the vehicle and its two occupants, broadcasting that information throughout the jurisdiction. Just 20 minutes later, according to Hoover, “a Sheriff’s Detective in Carpinteria observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle” in the Albertson’s Shopping Center parking lot just north of the Ventura County line.
Based upon his observations, the Deputy contacted the occupants of the suspect vehicle and determined that they were the men observed on the reported surveillance video. The Deputy then placed Robert Donohue, 44, and Joseph Espinoza, 32, under arrest for burglary, possession of burglary tools, conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, and transportation of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Espinoza, the unlucky driver of the van, was also cited for driving with a suspended license.
Both Donohue and Espinoza were transported to Santa Barbara County Jail with bail set at $50,000 each.
Photos: Courtesy Santa Barbara County Jail Booking
Read more:
1) KSBY 6- Two Men Arrested for Burglary near Hope Ranch
2) Central Coast News- Two Men Arrested for Burglarizing Construction Site at Hope Ranch
