Isla Vista Auto Burglar Linked to Several Crimes

Isla Vista - April 2nd, 2009

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Detectives have linked a suspected auto burglar to nearly two dozen similar crimes on the South Coast.

In the early morning hours of March, 5, 2009, Sheriff's Deputies on bicycle patrol along the 800-block of Camino Pescadero in Isla Vista saw a man in dark clothing using a handheld light to look into parked vehicles. 

Due to the numerous auto burglaries in Isla Vista, deputies contacted the male, Ezequiel Altamirano (DOB 4/10/71), to investigate further.  During their investigation they located a stolen cell phone on Altamirano.  A search of Altamirano's residence revealed various electronic equipment.  Deputies arrested Altamirano for providing false information to a peace officer and possession of stolen property. 

Later, after interviewing Altamirano at the jail Detectives where able link him to 21 other auto burglaries in the Isla Vista area.  The value of the items taken from the vehicles was over $6,000 dollars.  Further investigation revealed Altamirano was in possession of various items of stolen property.  Altamirano is currently in the Santa Barbara County Jail for the charges of auto burglary (459 PC), possession of stolen property (496(a) PC), and an immigration detainer.

The Sheriff's Department reminds you to keep the doors to your vehicle locked when parked on the street or at your house.  If you have any further information regarding auto burglaries in the Isla Vista area, please contact the Isla Vista Foot Patrol station at 805-681-4179.

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