Police Bulletin Police Bulletin (January 02, 2004)

Costly minute shopping

A 15-minute run into a store Dec. 20 cost two women more than $1,500 in property.

Ann Ghigliazza of Alameda reported the theft to police Dec. 21. She told police that she parked her 1995 Honda in the Stoneridge Shopping Center parking lot about 8 p.m. and she and a friend, Kristin Thomsen, went into a store. Thomsen left the passenger door unlocked, Ghigliazza said. When the pair returned to the car 15 minutes later, they discovered that someone had entered the car and taken their property.

Ghigliazza's vehicle stereo, a CD case and her sunglasses were missing, police said. Thomsen said her purse, containing credit cards and identification, had been stolen. Ghigliazza told police there were no signs of forced entry. Thomsen told police she was concerned about identity theft; police advised her to notify her bank about the theft. Wheeling and stealing

Overnight Dec. 20, thieves, bringing their own blocks and jack, targeted a set of BMW tires and rims, valued at $3,010, police said. The 1999 BMW M3 was found about 11 a.m. Dec. 21, at EastBay BMW, 4350 Rosewood Drive, sitting on top of four concrete blocks, which the police believe were brought by the unknown suspect.

Salesman Michael Smith told police the vehicle was parked in the sales lot and the tires and wheels were on it when he left the lot about 6 p.m. Police believe the suspect also brought a BMW factory jack to jack the car up and remove the tires.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.