Over the course of just one day, October 17, 2024, a suspect reportedly stole 13 cell phones from customers at six Trader Joe’s locations in San Diego, as well as additional stores in Riverside County. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his 30s, approximately 5’8” to 5’10” in height, with a normal build and short dark hair. At the time of the thefts, he was seen wearing a white sweater, black pants, and white athletic shoes. The suspect was also observed driving a black Mercedes-Benz.
The cellphone theft spree began in Riverside County, where the suspect is believed to have targeted customers at Trader Joe’s locations in Corona at 2790 Cabot Drive around 10am, then Murrieta at 40388 Murrieta Hot Springs Road at around 10:45am, and Temecula at 40665 Winchester Road around 11:40am.
The cellphone theft spree began in Riverside County, where the suspect is believed to have targeted customers at Trader Joe’s locations in Corona at 2790 Cabot Drive around 10am, then Murrieta at 40388 Murrieta Hot Springs Road at around 10:45am, and Temecula at 40665 Winchester Road around 11:40am.
He then headed south to San Diego County, hitting the following Trader Joe’s stores: Carmel Mountain - 10955 Carmel Mountain Road (around 2:20pm); Mira Mesa - 9850 Hibert Street (around 2:35pm); Del Mar - 13480 Highlands Place (around 3:20pm); La Jolla - 8657 Villa La Jolla Drive (around 4:15pm); Liberty Station - 2401 Truxtun Road (around 5pm) and Hillcrest - 1090 University Ave. (around 5:30pm).
The case came to the attention of SDPD when, around 6pm on October 17, a victim located their stolen cell phone with the suspect. Although the suspect fled before officers could arrive, SDPD managed to recover more than a dozen phones. An investigation later revealed that 13 phones had been stolen within a three-hour period, all from Trader Joe's locations around San Diego.
So far, police have been able to return 12 of the stolen phones to their owners. During their investigation, SDPD detectives obtained video footage of the suspect attempting to use one of the stolen phones to make a purchase at the Best Buy in Mira Mesa. How the police were able to return all but one of the stolen phones without apprehending the suspect remains unclear. The SDPD has released an image of the suspect from the surveillance footage, hoping the public might recognize him.
With the holiday season approaching, SDPD is urging shoppers to be especially vigilant and aware of their surroundings. According to SDPD, many victims had their phones in pockets, purses, or bags slung on their bodies at the time of the thefts, making them easy targets for a pickpocket. SDPD’s reminder to the public is to keep personal items secure and be cautious, especially in crowded places.
If you recognize the individual in the surveillance image or have any information regarding these thefts, SDPD encourages you to contact the Eastern Division at 858.495.7900.
So far, police have been able to return 12 of the stolen phones to their owners. During their investigation, SDPD detectives obtained video footage of the suspect attempting to use one of the stolen phones to make a purchase at the Best Buy in Mira Mesa. How the police were able to return all but one of the stolen phones without apprehending the suspect remains unclear. The SDPD has released an image of the suspect from the surveillance footage, hoping the public might recognize him.
With the holiday season approaching, SDPD is urging shoppers to be especially vigilant and aware of their surroundings. According to SDPD, many victims had their phones in pockets, purses, or bags slung on their bodies at the time of the thefts, making them easy targets for a pickpocket. SDPD’s reminder to the public is to keep personal items secure and be cautious, especially in crowded places.
If you recognize the individual in the surveillance image or have any information regarding these thefts, SDPD encourages you to contact the Eastern Division at 858.495.7900.
