Full Notification

On Thursday November 15, 2012, at approximately 11:54 a.m., Detectives from the Cypress Police Department arrested two suspects in connection with at least thirty-four burglaries of self-storage units. These burglaries took place at the Cypress Mini Storage (8882 Watson, Cypress) and the Public Storage (15534 Arrow Highway, Irwindale) and occurred over the past thirty days.

Detectives received a significant break in the case when an employee of the Cypress Mini Storage observed a suspicious subject and vehicle at the location shortly after a recent burglary and immediately alerted the Cypress Police Department. This crucial tip, which included the license plate of the vehicle, ultimately led to the surveillance of the possible suspects, Derek Smits (D.O.B. 2-16-79) and Valorie Hernandez (D.O.B. 3-3-82). After developing further information linking both of these suspects to burglaries in both Cypress and Irwindale, Cypress Police Detectives arrested both suspects and they were taken into custody without incident. Immediately following the arrest, three separate search warrants were served on locations in the City of Whittier. These locations included one residence, one motel room, and one storage unit. A significant amount of stolen property was recovered from all three locations. The stolen property included furniture, electronics, clothing, and rare coins.


Derek Smits was booked at the Cypress Police Department’s jail for violation of P.C. 459 – Burglary, P.C. 496 – Possession of stolen property, and P.C. 3056 – Parole violation hold. Valorie Hernandez was also book at the Cypress Police Department’s jail for violation of P.C. 459 – Burglary and P.C. 496 – Possession of stolen property. Both suspects were later transported to the Orange County Jail. Derek Smits is being held without bail as a result of his parole hold. Valorie Hernandez is being held on $65,000 bail.

At this time, the investigation is on-going and Detectives are working with law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California to identify additional victims and return their property. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Cypress Police Detective Marshall at 714-229-6637