Full Notification

On September 10, 2022, at 6:30AM, Officers responded to the report of a stolen tow truck, which was taken overnight from a business on Galli Drive. Officers learned a man rode a bicycle to the business and drove away from the area in the stolen tow truck.
 
At around 8:00AM, the business re-contacted the police department to report that two of their employees saw a man return for the bicycle. The employees followed the man on the bicycle to Pamaron Way, where they located the stolen tow truck. When officers arrived, the employees were involved in a physical struggle with the man, who attempted to leave the scene and was subsequently detained.
 
Steven Lawrence Hirai, a 43-year-old Novato resident, was identified by officers at the scene. Hirai had an outstanding felony arrest warrant in Marin County for vehicle theft and was also on active Marin County probation.
 
Officers placed Hirai under arrest for the felony arrest warrant and for possession of a stolen vehicle. After the arrest, a search was conducted. Officers located a stun gun, drug paraphernalia and controlled substances on Hirai. An associated residence in San Rafael was searched and additional stolen property was recovered.
 
Hirai was booked at Marin County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle, controlled substances, a stun gun, drug paraphernalia and felony arrest warrant. Additionally, he was charged with violating his probation, battery, driving without a driver’s license and being a felon/addict in possession of a stun gun.
 
We are grateful for the witnesses who provided timely information ultimately resulting in a successful outcome.
 
Tips to Reduce Vehicle Theft:

• Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Do not leave any valuables in plain sight.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
• Park your car in a well-lit area at night.
• If you have a garage, use it.
• Always be alert, particularly in late evening hours.
• Consider installing an anti-theft device such as an immobilizer, alarm, or transmission/brake lock.

We will continue to be on alert and position extra patrol officers in areas of higher theft. If your vehicle is stolen, contact the NPD immediately to file a stolen vehicle report. It is also recommended that you contact your insurance company within 24 hours of the incident to file a claim. Contact the Novato Police Department 415-897-4361 anytime. In an emergency, immediately call 9-1-1.