Central Coast Woman Linked to Several Burglaries

Orcutt - November 22nd, 2011

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is reminding citizens to lock their cars following the arrest of a Central Coast woman who Sheriff’s detectives have linked to nearly one dozen car burglaries over a six week period.

Kristin Lyn Erb (DOB 12/31/80) of Paso Robles was originally arrested by the Santa Maria Police Department on Wednesday morning, November 16, 2011. Several local law enforcement agencies were on the lookout for Erb who was suspected of burglarizing automobiles at several locations throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.

During the SBSO investigation, Sheriff’s detectives linked Erb to at least nine cases in the Orcutt area. In the majority of incidents, Erb would hang around church and/or school parking lots looking for unlocked vehicles, which would then become her target.

When arrested, Erb had in her possession more than one hundred gift cards from at least 46 stores and businesses that she obtained through her crime spree. Erb is currently booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail on $100,000 bail for a variety of burglary and drug possession charges.

Investigators seized a number of purses believed to have been stolen by Erb. Photos of those purses are being distributed with this news release in the hopes that they are recognized by a victim. If someone believes they are the rightful owner of one of the purses, they should contact the law enforcement agency that took their initial crime report. Pictures of Stolen Property

The Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens that one of the simplest ways to avoid becoming a victim of auto burglary is to lock your vehicle and either remove valuable items or place them out of view. With the holiday shopping season approaching, unsecured merchandise is a popular target for thieves.


For more information regarding news related issues
please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

Business Hours: (805) 681-4100
EMAIL:pio@sbsheriff.org