Neighbor helps police recover stolen laptop with sensitive data

by FullertonPoliceNews

Police are crediting an alert resident today for helping them catch a thief who allegedly stole a neighbor's laptop that was filled with sensitive banking information.

The burglary occurred Sunday night in the 1200 block of Paseo Dorado.

The neighbor saw a suspicious person and vehicle in front of a neighbor’s garage, jotted down a license plate number and called police with a description of the suspects.

About 11:15 p.m., police arrested Paul Hernandez, 49, at a home belonging to the registered owner of the car, Naomi Alip, 50. During a search of the home, the laptop was recovered and Hernandez and Alip were arrested on suspicion of grand theft and possession of stolen property.

"The neighbor did a great job of being a good witness," said Sgt. Jeff Stuart. “Residents who see a crime being committed should do whatever they can without jeopardizing their own safety to get us as much detail as they can. A license plate is usually very helpful – and it definitely was in this case.”

Police said it was a busy St. Patrick’s Day with 22 arrests, including eight for drunken driving.