Behind the Badge
The Fullerton PD on Friday arrested a man and a woman from Santa Ana who they believe are responsible for a rash of mailbox burglaries throughout Orange County.
In custody are Noel Varela, 26, and Beatriz Martin, 24, who share a residence on Santa Ana.
FPD property crimes detectives began investigating when, on Dec. 8, multiple locked mailboxes were burglarized in Fullerton. They were able to obtain both a vehicle and suspect description for the individuals thought to be involved in the burglary spree.
FPD detectives began conducting surveillance of the possible suspects believed to be responsible for the mailbox burglaries and theft of U.S. mail.
While conducting surveillance early Dec. 16, detectives observed the suspects burglarizing locked mailboxes in Brea and Placentia.
Fullerton PD detectives stopped the suspect vehicle, a white Ford Expedition, and placed Varela and Martin into custody on suspicion of a variety of theft and burglary crimes.
After the arrests Friday morning, FPD detectives served a search warrant on Varela and Marin’s shared residence in Santa Ana.
Extensive evidence was collected that indicates the suspects have been prolific in their crimes, the FPD said in a news release.
As a result, detectives have confirmed that Martin and Varela are responsible for burglaries and thefts in Fullerton, Brea, Placentia, Irvine and various South Orange County cities.
The investigation still is ongoing. Detectives believe Martin and Varela are responsible for other unreported crimes throughout the region.
Anyone with information about Varela, Martin and any other possible crimes, or anyone who believes they may be a victim of these crimes, is encouraged to contact Fullerton Police Property Crimes Detective Josh Earnest at 714-738-6765. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or can visit ww.occrimestoppers.org.
