...for City of Southlake news, business, and community happenings.
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- burglaries
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Police have located and arrested several suspects in connection with a string of home burglaries targeting Asian families across the north Texas area over the last several months.
In March of 2017, Southlake detectives began investigating a string of home burglaries by a group of suspects targeting the Asian community. The suspects utilized the same method of operation in each offense – approaching and entering each residence in the same manner while wearing similar clothing in each of the crimes. Home video surveillance footage provided by several homeowners played a key role in identifying the suspects, their vehicle descriptions, and their criminal patterns. The video evidence also resulted in the collaboration of detectives from several North Texas law enforcement agencies who determined the suspects were committing burglaries in multiple cities. As this group of criminals remained active over the next several months, more evidence was collected, resulting in the identification of two suspects by the Southlake and Keller police departments. Information was received that the suspects were also committing burglaries in Tennessee and South Carolina. During the execution of a search warrant in Greenville, South Carolina on November 23rd, the two identified suspects and a third suspect were taken into custody. Stolen property and clothing similar to that worn by the suspects in several North Texas burglaries was also recovered.
On November 24th, Richardson, Southlake, Colleyville and Plano detectives served a search warrant in Mesquite at a residence associated with one of the suspects. Approximately $10,000 in cash, designer purses worth an estimated $30,000, jewelry, a stolen handgun and other evidence was seized. Detectives are continuing to coordinate efforts to review recovered items, and additional charges will be filed.
These arrests wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation and coordination of the law enforcement agencies involved and the hard work and tenacity of all the detectives assigned to these cases.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Jairo Gomez, Jesus Moulier, and Victor Santana.
The Southlake Police Department continues to focus its efforts on reducing crime in Southlake neighborhoods and near local businesses. This is accomplished by police officers that perform approximately sixty-to-seventy neighborhood and business checks each day and night.
In 2015, the Southlake Police Department performed 33,783 business checks and 27,091 neighborhood checks. As the City of Southlake continues to grow, the pace for these checks is already showing a slight increase in numbers: 6,808 for business checks and 5,603 neighborhood checks since January 1, 2016.
Southlake Police Officers have been able to deter criminal activity due to their high visibility, but the public can also help by reporting any suspicious or unusual behavior in their neighborhood. Patrol Lieutenant Randy Thomas says, “I tell homeowners that they are the best experts on their block. They know who is supposed to be in the neighborhood and who is not.” If a strange vehicle, person or anything seems out of place; Thomas advises that you don’t hesitate to contact police. “We would rather you call us to check something out and be safe rather than sorry”, Thomas added.
An example of suspicious behavior might be: If you see a car with an out-of-town license plate driving slowly up and down your street and you believe the driver is acting suspicious, call the non-emergency dispatch number at (817) 743-4522. An officer will be dispatched as soon as possible to check out the situation. If you feel you are in any immediate danger dial 9-1-1.
The Police Department would also like to remind residents to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times; especially, when parking their vehicle at a local business or even in the driveway of their home. Take an extra moment to look around, then Hide your things, Lock your car, and Take your keys. Thwarting crime can be as easy as following these Hide, Lock, and Take guidelines.
We want our citizens to have peace of mind and to know that we are here to serve and protect them. We also encourage residents to get to know your neighborhood police sergeant. He or she can easily be found by going to the City of Southlake’s website and typing in “District Sergeant” in the search box or you can click here.
Together we can make our neighborhoods and businesses less attractive to burglars and thieves. If you have any questions or would like to have an officer come talk to your Homeowners Association (HOA) please contact your District Sergeant, found in the link above, and they will be happy to arrange a meeting with your HOA.
Watch this Southlake Police Department message to help remind you to protect your valuables following the Hide, Lock and Take guidelines.
The Southlake Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating an individual wanted in connection with a string of smash and grabs in at least eight cities including Southlake.
Three of the burglaries have occurred at the local 24 Hour Fitness in Southlake over the last few months. In each case a suspect broke into the vehicle’s driver’s side window and stole items left in plain view. In one theft a purse and wallet were taken and in the another case, a GPS and cash were stolen.
The suspect has been targeting vehicles parked at fitness centers. Law enforcement officials believe the suspect waits for female customers to park their vehicle and then watch to see if they enter the gym without their purse. This individual looks for targets like this and then breaks into their car looking for valuables like credit cards. The suspect uses the credit cards immediately following the burglaries before the credit card accounts can be closed.
Since September 2014, this individual is believed to have committed burglaries at fitness centers in Flower Mound, Highland Village, Euless, Frisco, Southlake, and Colleyville.
The attached photograph was taken from security video at a retail outlet immediately following one of the burglaries. If anyone recognizes this individual or has any information regarding these burglary cases, please call the Southlake Police Department ask for Detective C. Melton at 817-748-8129. Callers may remain anonymous. You can also contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
The Southlake Police Department is once again urging residents to follow the Hide, Lock and Take guidelines and never leave items in plain view in your vehicle.
**UPDATE from the Southlake Police Department: BMV Suspect Arrested ~ tied to cases in multiple cities
Carlos J. Ramos
MUG SHOT
On April 9, 2015, Southlake Police Detectives traveled to San Antonio, Texas to interview 40-year old Carlos J. Ramos who was in custody at the Bexar County Jail. Mr. Ramos was in custody following his arrest by the Live Oak, Texas Police Department on March 30th. He was arrested for Burglary of a Vehicle and Credit/Debit Card Abuse charges stemming from a traffic stop.
Southlake Police Detectives were joined by Flower Mound PD and Waco PD detectives, who also wanted to interview Mr. Ramos in connection with cases they had. The efforts of these detectives yielded the clearance of 7 Burglary of a Motor Vehicle and Credit/Debit Card Abuse cases in Southlake, 7 cases in Flower Mound and at least 3 cases in Waco.
The partnership between these agencies also cleared numerous Burglary of Vehicle and Credit/Debit Card Abuse cases in the cities of Grapevine, Euless, Arlington, Plano, and Highland Village.
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The Southlake Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating an individual wanted in connection with a string of smash and grabs in at least eight cities including Southlake.
Three of the burglaries have occurred at the local 24 Hour Fitness in Southlake over the last few months. In each case a suspect broke into the vehicle’s driver’s side window and stole items left in plain view. In one theft a purse and wallet were taken and in the another case, a GPS and cash were stolen.
The suspect has been targeting vehicles parked at fitness centers. Law enforcement officials believe the suspect waits for female customers to park their vehicle and then watch to see if they enter the gym without their purse. This individual looks for targets like this and then breaks into their car looking for valuables like credit cards. The suspect uses the credit cards immediately following the burglaries before the credit card accounts can be closed.
Since September 2014, this individual is believed to have committed burglaries at fitness centers in Flower Mound, Highland Village, Euless, Frisco, Southlake, and Colleyville.
The attached photograph was taken from security video at a retail outlet immediately following one of the burglaries. If anyone recognizes this individual or has any information regarding these burglary cases, please call the Southlake Police Department ask for Detective C. Melton at 817-748-8129. Callers may remain anonymous. You can also contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
The Southlake Police Department is once again urging residents to follow the Hide, Lock and Take guidelines and never leave items in plain view in your vehicle.
Several Southlake Police Officers are to be commended for arresting several suspects wanted in connection with recent vehicle burglaries and gym thefts that occurred in multiple North Texas Cities including: Bedford, Keller, NRH, the TCU area and Plano and Southlake.
On Saturday, Southlake officers responded to a theft at Cross Fit Gym but the suspects had already fled. As the suspects fled they struck another vehicle leaving the scene. Due to great communication and police work the suspect vehicle was spotted by another Southlake Police Officer. The suspects were stopped and arrested.
A search of their vehicle revealed a small amount of Marijuana, a hand gun with the serial numbers filed down and over $2,000 in cash along with some gold jewelry. The suspects are believed to be working in tandem with others thieves stealing cell phones and other items from gym lockers and vehicles. Detectives are working closely with all of the cities involved to help solve those crimes.
Please remember to always “Hide your things, Lock your vehicle and Take your keys” to help prevent thefts.
The Southlake Police Department would like to send a special “Thank you” to employees with the Public Works Department for assisting us with displaying dozens of Hide, Lock, Take signs around Southlake Town Square. The signs are part of the police department’s Holiday Safety Initiative to help reduce vehicle burglaries. The program has a simple but valuable message. “Hide your things, Lock your vehicle and Take your keys.”
Our Community Initiatives Officer Renni Burt, along with several Southlake Police Officers, also met with local business owners and managers to make them aware of the program and ask for their assistance in reminding shoppers to follow the Hide, Lock, Take guidelines. Police Chief Stephen Mylett says, “Reducing thefts in the City of Southlake is a community effort and the police department is confident this proactive approach will make a positive difference.”
Vehicle burglaries can occur at any time but they typically increase during the holidays. Thieves are looking for any valuables left in plain view inside cars including: shopping bags from items that you just purchased to laptops and iPhones. “If a thief spies something they want, even if your car is locked, they will smash a window and take it. Our goal is to help our citizens and visitors to the City of Southlake avoid becoming victims of a crime,” added Chief Mylett. The Hide, Lock, Take signs will serve as an added reminder to shoppers and a great deterrent to thieves.
The Southlake Police Department has purchased one hundred of the Hide, Lock, Take signs with plans to put them in various shopping areas and other high traffic areas throughout the City including the local tennis court to help reduce thefts.
Remember, it takes only seconds for thieves to steal your valuables from inside your vehicle so take a few moments to Hide your things, Lock your car and Take your keys. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Holiday shopping experience in the City of Southlake.
A couple accused of a string of vehicle burglaries in the City of Southlake apparently were unaware of news alerts about the crimes including a description of their vehicle. They were also unaware that Southlake DPS Police Officers were on the lookout for them and their red Dodge Charger. The duo definitely didn’t count on alert Police Officer Frank Rogers either. Officer Rogers spotted the couple’s vehicle soon after reports that they had struck again; smashing the windows of several cars and allegedly stealing the valuables inside.
Officer Rogers was on routine patrol on Wednesday, January 18th when he spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one reported to be involved in several thefts that morning. He followed the pair into a local business parking lot and notified Detective Venessa Trevino. Their teamwork and subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of a husband and wife from Whitesboro, Texas.
Several items observed in the couple’s car matched the property reported stolen from the earlier Southlake vehicle burglaries. Detective Trevino charged the individuals with those vehicle burglaries, and the female has been also been charged with credit card abuse. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues. Police Chief Stephen Mylett said, “This is great police work and teamwork at its best! I am extremely proud of the efforts of Officer Rogers and Detective Trevino!”
The investigation is ongoing to determine whether the couple is connected to other burglaries or crimes, which have occurred in Southlake and the surrounding areas over the last several months.
Meanwhile, this recent arrest serves as a good reminder to residents to follow the guidelines in the “Take, Lock and Hide” program. Always, take your purse or wallet with you; never leave them in your vehicle. Lock or hide all valuables in the trunk of your car so they are out of sight. Southlake DPS wants to help keep you from becoming a target or victim of thieves.