Over the last 3 days different residential areas of Rocklin have been victimized by a series of burglaries. Six homeowners had property stolen from them. The items stolen included jewelry, firearms, and a computer.
During one of the crimes on October 29th, though, an alert neighbor spotted a suspicious looking male subject and his truck at a house that was soon discovered to have been burglarized. The neighbor called the police but before the police arrived the subject had gotten away. However, excellent descriptions of the subject and his vehicle were provided and Rocklin Police personnel began to vigilantly look for the vehicle while on regular patrol duties.
On October 30th, Animal Control Officer (ACO) Merae Riley noticed a truck matching the description. She alerted the Rocklin Communications Center who alerted patrol officers and the male driver was contacted.
The truck contained some property that was confirmed to be stolen from one of the residential burglaries on October 30th and the subject was arrested.
Arrested was Shaun Alan Sterner, 23 years, of Lincoln, for burglary and possession of stolen property. He will be booked into Placer County Jail and held in lieu of $25,000 bail.
“The neighbor who contacted us after becoming suspicious of the male subject was instrumental in the arrest of a serial burglar,” said Lt. Lon Milka. “This is what Neighbor Watch is all about – calling police with out-of-the-ordinary activity. ACO Merae Riley is new to our department but is a key part of this organization and did a fantastic job in keeping her eyes peeled!”
