Full Notification

Auto Burglary Suspects Arrested
 
Two suspects broke into a car and stole over $130,000 of property.  The suspects were found by police and arrested. 
 
San Mateo, CA – On October 17, 2023, at 7:40 p.m., two suspects were arrested in connection with an auto burglary that occurred on October 16, 2023.  The suspects, Njeri Harambe and Antonio Taylor, were found in the city of Menlo Park and arrested for multiple charges. 
 
On October 16, 2023, at 8:09 p.m., San Mateo Police Department received a 911 call from a witness that saw a suspect break a car window, steal a purse from the vehicle, then get into a gray minivan and flee the scene.  The victim’s car was parked on the 100 block of East 4th Avenue.
 
Officers spoke to the victim, who told officers the suspects stole her purse and luggage from her rental vehicle.  The luggage contained electronic devices and jewelry valued at over $130,000.  During the initial investigation, officers were able to get descriptions of the two suspects, the get-away vehicle, and the license plate number of the suspect car. 
 
On October 17, as the investigation continued, we received a call from Menlo Park Police Department.  Menlo Park PD had located the suspect vehicle in their city and detained the two occupants, Njeri Harambe and Antonio Taylor.  Our officers responded to where Harambe and Taylor were located to further the investigation.  Harambe and Taylor were identified as the auto burglary suspects, arrested for multiple charges, and booked into San Mateo County Jail.
 
This investigation is still on going as officers attempt to recover the stolen property.  If you have any information about this crime, contact SMPD at (650)522-7700.  An anonymous tip can be emailed at Form Center • San Mateo • CivicEngage (cityofsanmateo.org)
 
This arrest highlights the hard work and dedication our officers have in solving crime and keeping our community safe.  The collaborative effort between Menlo Park PD and our department was important to the successful apprehension of the two suspects.   
 
We would like to remind our community members of ways to help reduce car break-ins:
              

1. Secure your vehicle.  Always roll your windows up all the way up, lock your doors, and engage the car alarm. 
2. Keep your vehicle clean.  Thieves will window shop as they walk past cars.  Avoid leaving anything visible in your car to include luggage, purses, spare change, sunglasses, charging cords, ect. 
3. Park Smart.  Park in a busy, well-lit area, where your car is visible and not covered by anything around.  Avoid danger zones, like isolated or dark areas.  

For more information visit Vehicle Theft Prevention | NHTSA.
 
ARRESTED
Antonio Taylor, 42-year-old San Francisco resident.
CHARGES:
460(b) PC- Second degree burglary.  487(a) PC- Grand theft.  182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to commit a crime.  594(a)(1) PC- Vandalism. 
 
ARRESTED
Njeri Harambe, 28-year-old Oakland resident.
CHARGES:
460(b) PC- Second degree burglary.  487(a) PC- Grand theft.  182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy to commit a crime.  594(a)(1) PC- Vandalism.