(Press Release) Fresno Police have announced a change in the Top 5 Auto Thieves for March, and are asking for the public’s help in keeping an eye out for all five men. Fresno Police Auto Theft Detectives, and Career Criminal Auto Theft Team (C-CATT) are cautioning Fresno area residents that these Top 5 auto thieves are career criminals, prolific auto thieves, and pose a danger to the community.
Gabriel Osorio, a recent #1 on the list, was sentenced to 4 years in state prison last week. In his place, Michael Kent rises to #1. Kent arrested on March 6th for three auto thefts he committed within 16 hours. Kent stole cars in Clovis, northwest Fresno, and northeast Fresno, and was in possession of property taken in a Clovis burglary. He was arrested on Parkway Drive, near Belmont Avenue by former C-CATT detective David Standley, and was in possession of almost ½ ounce of methamphetamine.
Victor “Chubs” Portillo is #2, and was arrested for the seventh time this year just this week. He is active throughout the greater Fresno area, and is heavily involved in auto theft, car stripping, chop shops, fencing stolen property, and narcotics activity.
#3 Jeremiah Guterriez, and #4 Francicso Delarosa have active warrants for auto theft related crimes, and are currently wanted by law enforcement. #5 Ralph Jasso has several criminal cases pending. Jasso is not currently wanted, but we continue to monitor his activity as his cases progress through the system.
All of our Top 5 auto thieves have been involved in criminal activity, and should not be approached by citizens. If you see one of our Top 5 involved in suspicious activity, please call the Fresno Police Department’s Communication Center at 621-7000. To leave an anonymous tip, please call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP, or leave a message on the C-CATT Tip Line at 621-CCAT (2228).
While auto theft rates are down 37% in our city compared with last year, Fresno area auto thieves continue to steal between eight and nine cars each and every day. Fresno area residents can protect their vehicles by locking their cars, removing keys from the vehicle, and never leaving their vehicle running unattended. Other prevention methods include alarms and steering wheel locks. Steering wheel locks can be purchased for only $15 by contacting Fresno Police Neighborhood Watch at (559) 222-0124.
TXT 24
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