Four arrests were reported by the Santa Rosa Police Department as the result of a recent bait-bicycle operation –
“On 12/11/19, Property Crimes Detectives from the Santa Rosa Police Department conducted a bait bicycle operation in downtown Santa Rosa. The Santa Rosa Police Department has received numerous complaints about bicycle theft in the city, and specifically in the downtown area of Santa Rosa. The purpose of today’s operation was to conduct a proactive operation in an attempt to reduce bicycle theft.
A total of four individuals were arrested as a result from this operation. All were arrested for grand theft. Bicycle theft is a felony in California when the value exceeds $950. The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail when they stole the bait bicycle today:
Clemente Marruffo, a 39-year-old Santa Rosa Transient
Dennis Perry Jr, a 44-year-old Santa Rosa Transient
Sethesha Iraheta, a 30-year-old Santa Rosa Transient
Marc Azevedo, a 43-year-old Santa Rosa Transient
The SRPD would also like to extend thanks to the Bike Peddler, a local Santa Rosa bicycle company located at 605 College Avenue for its assistance. This operation was only made possible by their generous support and cooperation with the SRPD to aid in curbing bicycle theft.
The Santa Rosa Police Department reminds all of its residents and visitors to take the appropriate precautions to help prevent becoming a victim of bicycle theft. This includes using a quality bicycle lock and knowing the proper way on how to secure the bicycle.
Bicycle owners are encouraged to be proactive with maintaining records on their bicycle, so if it is stolen it can be later identified by law enforcement. This includes photos, recording serial numbers, and registering the bicycle. Police officers throughout the county come across numerous bicycles every day in their day to day activities. Without information as to the proper owner, officers are unable to take any enforcement action or return the property to its legitimate owner.
More information on all of the above can be found at the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s website at https://www.bikesonoma.org/bike-theft/.
Additional similar operations are being planned.
Media inquiries should be forwarded to Sergeant Dave Marconi at dmarconi@srcity.org.”
