Sheriff’s deputies believe the 2012 Honda Elantra in this photo was used at several of 23 car burglaries committed in August in the parking lots of two popular hiking trails.
Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested a woman suspected of being involved in more than 2 dozen vehicle burglaries that occurred in the Bob Jones Trailhead parking lot in Avila Beach and the Reservoir Canyon Trailhead parking lot in San Luis Obispo. And deputies are searching for another suspect in connection with the crimes.
In the month of August, deputies received a total of 23 vehicle burglary reports at those two locations.
“Many of these burglaries,” Sheriff’s Spokesperson, Tony Cipolla said, “resulted in broken vehicle windows and purses and wallets being taken. Deputies conducted a follow up investigation, which resulted in the identification of a suspect, 28-year-old Joy Thompson of Paso Robles. Thompson was arrested for a number of charges including burglary and ID theft.
The department also has a photo of one of the cars believed used by the suspects, a 2012 Honda Elantra, that is either light green or possibly silver. The Honda has been seen at the location of several of the burglaries, Cipolla said. Photos of the suspect who is still at large were also released, gleaned from surveillance videos. Unfortunately, these photos are not very good quality.
If anyone has information about the crimes or recognizes the suspect still on the lam, call the Sheriff’s Office at 805-781-4550.
“The Sheriff’s Office,” Cipolla said, “wants to remind the public to always keep your valuables with you or place them in the trunk while on the trails.”
The Bob Jones Trail is a dedicated pedestrian and bike path that runs from Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, through Avila Valley to Avila Beach. In recent years, it has been at times, overrun with homeless encampments, though there was no mention that the two suspects in these car burglary cases were homeless.
