Grand Theft Case Study

INTRODUCTION:
This case involved an unknown suspect stealing the victim’s vehicle while it was parked in an unsecured parking lot in violation of PC 487(d)-Grand Theft Auto.
LOCATION DESCRIPTION:
This incident occurred while the vehicle was parked in the west parking lot located at 120 W. Bellevue Drive.
LOSS:
S/D/R Description Serial#
S-1 2001 Ford E350 White Van CA. Lic. #6L35448
INVESTIGATION:
On 04-29-16 at approximately 0951 hours, I was dispatched to 120 W. Bellevue Drive regarding a grand theft auto report. Upon my arrival, I contacted Victim Richard Henry Garcia, who told me the following:
On 04-28-16 at approximately 1700 hours, Garcia parked the company’s vehicle in the west parking lot at the above location.

On 04-29-16 at approximately 0800 hours, Garcia returned to the west parking lot and saw that someone had taken the vehicle. Garcia checked the surrounding neighborhood for the vehicle and was unable to locate it. Garcia stated no one had permission to borrow the vehicle and he did not know who would have taken it. Garcia stated the parking lot does not have video surveillance cameras.
I checked the area for the vehicle and did not locate it. I checked the area for any witnesses, but was unable to locate any. The vehicle was entered into NCIC (see attached). The bulletin was updated.
DISPOSITION:
Case to Detectives.