Stolen Packages Found in Campbell Storage Unit

An alert neighbor called 9-1-1 after watching a suspect steal a package off a neighbor’s porch on New Year’s Day, according to Palo Alto Police.  An ensuing investigation found a check stolen from a mailbox in San Jose, and a storage locker in Campbell containing what could be stolen packages.

It all staretd during the noon-hour on New Year’s Day in the 2600 block of Marshall Drive. A neighbor called 9-1-1 reporting the alleged theft. The caller gave police a description of the suspect, the vehicle he drove and the direction the pick-up was heading when it drove off.  A few minutes later, a detective spotted the vehicle, and watched as it was parked in the 3400 block of Janice Way.

Other officers arrived on scene and detained the man, who identified as 25-year-old Andrew Philip Stafford of Union City. His vehicle was a white 1972 Chevrolet pick-up.

“The investigation revealed that the suspect was in possession of the stolen packages from Marshall Drive,” said Officer Marco Estrada in a prepared statement. “They contained miscellaneous personal property valued at about $120.”

“Detectives located a personal check in the suspect’s truck that they were able to determine had been stolen out of a mailbox in San Jose back on Dec. 28,” Estrada continued. “Detectives also conducted additional follow-up investigation, including serving a search warrant on a storage locker rented by the suspect in Campbell. They located two boxes in the storage locker that they believe may also be packages stolen off of porches in San Jose. They are contacting the possible owners of that property to determine if it was indeed stolen, or if the suspect had their permission to be in possession of it.”

Police booked the suspect into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on several felony and misdemeanor charges including theft, weapons possession and narcotics possession with intent to sell.

Palo Alto Police frequently appeal to the public to report any behavior that they consider suspicious. “Police credit the original reporting party for not only recognizing suspicious behavior (in the form of a person they did not recognize removing packages from their neighbor’s front porch), but also for reporting it promptly by calling 9-1-1,” said Estrada. “The timely call, coupled with a quick response from our officers, led directly to this arrest.”

If you have information about this crime call the 24-hourdispatch center at 650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to paloalto@tipnow.org or sent via text message or voice mail to 650-383-8984.

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