US media reported last weekend that Juan Luis Valdez-Luevano, 19 years old, was arrested in Dublin after a series of break-ins at multiple stores across three counties in California. Valdez-Luevano was identified as a member of a theft group that used a car without license plates to steal property overnight.

The San Ramon Police Department stated that the group shattered the tempered glass doors of at least 18 businesses, mostly restaurants, in the Pleasanton commercial area on the night of 9/9 and early morning of 10/9. The suspects took cash from registers and other property before quickly fleeing the scene.

Suspects shattered glass doors and broke into a business in Pleasanton, California, in the early morning of 10/9. Photo: KPIX-TV

At the Pacific Pearl commercial center, at least 6 businesses had their glass doors smashed. Security cameras at one sushi restaurant recorded a person pulling an entire cash register from the counter and carrying it away.

Officers pursued the suspects' vehicle but lost sight of it on Highway 84. Police believe this group committed similar break-ins in at least three counties across California.

One restaurant owner reported losing at least 500 USD in cash and felt insecure after the series of burglaries. "I spoke with neighboring restaurant owners, and they are all worried. We don't know how we will continue to do business," the owner said.

Suspects in black clothing smashed store windows in Pleasanton, took property, and fled. Video: X/henrykleeKTVU

At least 4 locations near Santa Rita Road were also targeted, along with businesses at the Val Vista shopping center.

Similar break-ins previously occurred in nearby cities in the eastern San Francisco Bay Area.

Valdez-Luevano is currently held at Contra Costa County Jail and may be transferred to Alameda County to face additional charges of theft and burglary.

Ha Linh (According to CBS, SF Chronicle, NBC)