Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a 15 year old boy for a string of burglaries in Biola.
He has been booked into Fresno County Juvenile Hall on felony charges of burglary and possession of stolen property. The suspect, whose name is not being released due to him being a minor, is a runaway from Mendota.
Around 7:00 pm on July 22nd, deputies responded to a call of a burglary at a home on the 12000 block of West D Street in Biola. The victim told deputies someone had broken in to her home and stole jewelry, financial documents and personal electronics. She told deputies she saw a young man wandering her neighborhood earlier in the day and thought he was suspicious because she had never seen him in the area before. Deputies discovered shoe tracks at the victim’s home and followed them to a dirt lot located on the 12000 block of West E Street in Biola. They found a bag under a tree, which contained a mixture of property, including an electronic tablet belonging to the victim on D Street. Deputies patrolled the area and found a young man walking the streets who matched the description the burglary victim had given. Deputies stopped and talked to him and learned he was on probation. They searched his backpack and found a variety of items, including ammunition and jewelry belonging to the victim on D Street. Deputies arrested the 15 year old boy.
During an interview with the suspect, detectives determined the teen was responsible for a total of five burglaries in Biola. These burglaries, two of which were hot prowls, dated back to June 22nd.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office recommends residents take the following measures to protect themselves against potential thieves:
•Remove all valuable items from inside your vehicle, including your garage door opener, if it’s parked outside.
•Always lock doors and windows to your home and vehicle.
•Activate your home security system if one is installed.
•If you have security cameras installed, make sure they are functioning properly.
•Keep your property well lit. You may consider purchasing motion activated lights, which help to deter criminal activity.
•Keep bushes and trees trimmed back to limit hiding places around your house. Criminals tend to hide in these bushes to gain entry into your home.
•Keep a record of serial numbers to items such as televisions, computers and tablets.
•Take photographs of your jewelry or unique items for reporting purposes.
•If you go on vacation, do not publicize it (i.e. Facebook). Keep the circle of people you notify to a very small number.
•Before heading out of town, arrange for a trusted friend to retrieve your packages and newspapers upon delivery.
•If you live in the county limits, contact the Sheriff’s Office for a “House Check” if you go on vacation. https://www.fresnosheriff.org/protect-yourself/crime-prevention/house-check.html
•Get you know your neighbors. Exchange phone numbers and email addresses to stay informed.
•Stay aware of activity in your neighborhood and report suspicious persons or suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office.
•Join http://www.nextdoor.com and use the app to keep in touch with your neighbors.
