Full Notification

Prying-eye Computer Leads to Arrest

Los Angeles. Detectives have arrested Abimael Garcia, 29, for knowingly buying a stolen MacBook computer from a man known only at “Pelon.” A camera and tracking system, built into the computer, led police to Garcia at his home in the Pico Union area.

“We want everyone to know, if you buy a $1,500 computer from a guy on the street for $150, it’s probably stolen,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division. “And now, that computer may rat you out.”

That’s what happened after a USC college student’s computer was taken from her friend’s car on
October 22, 2011, after they parked the car near the Fashion District. The 21-year-old woman came to the police station with screen shots of Garcia using the computer. She explained that she had installed tracking software on her computer, which records the user’s likeness and the computer’s location once the tracking program is activated by the owner.

“Our victim pretty much did our investigation for us,” Lt. Vernon explained. “All we had to do was go to the address and speak to the resident whose picture we already had.”

Garcia explained that he met “Pelon” while working as a valet one night near 5th Street and Broadway. The man offered to sell the computer for a good price, but Garcia realized it was probably stolen.

“Crooks and even the not-so-crooked should realize there’s an eye in the sky watching us today,” Lt. Vernon added. “The old adage holds that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is, and in the case of a cheap computer, it’s probably stolen, too.”

The public should know three things: (1) the top things stolen from cars are electronic items like computers, GPS devices, IPods, cameras; (2) knowingly buying stolen items is a crime, too; and (3) lock your car and remove all items from the passenger compartment.

“Those who consider buying someone else’s stolen computer should consider how violated that victim felt when she saw her car broken into and property gone,” Lt. Vernon said. “Don’t be a party to someone else’s misery, or a drug addict’s habit. Do the right thing.”

Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

# # # # #