Confirmed: Arrest, Court Records Prove Presence Of Prolific Central Contra Costa Burglary Crew

The recent arrest of a Merced man wanted in connection with a string of recent burglaries in the San Ramon Valley and elsewhere is leading to additional information on the activities of a highly mobile, sophisticated, and brazen burglary crew unafraid of alarms or video surveillance systems.

This site has only been able to hint at the presence of such a crew for some time, drawing criticism from some. But the Jan. 25 arrest of 26-year-old Gilberto Ramirez near Corning, California by Tehama County Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers has provided the first insight into the crew’s methods and past crimes.

Ramirez did not go willingly, fleeing from officers who were eventually able to subdue him after he crashed his car. He is currently being held in Merced County jail on charges including burglary, felony evasion, and weapons violations. A juvenile who was in the vehicle with him at the time was also taken into custody. She is not being identified due to her age.

Search warrants executed at various locations associated with Ramirez allegedly uncovered property believed stolen during burglaries in Contra Costa County, though the locations of those crimes were not detailed in a release by the Office of the Sheriff.

However, a review of court records by Bay Area News Group courts reporter Nate Gartrell revealed Ramirez allegedly left telltale DNA evidence behind when he and two other suspects broke into an Alamo home on Sugar Creek Lane – ransacking the residence and making off with $100,000 worth of jewelry, cash, and other items in September of last year.

Court records examined by Gartrell revealed that Ramirez was charged after a DNA test confirmed he had left skin cell evidence on a safe inside the residence.

Further investigation also allegedly linked Ramirez to additional crimes in Santa Clara County. As with other recent crimes, the homeowners were away at the time of the break-in, the trio of burglars taking time to deactivate one home security camera but overlooking others – which apparently captured the trio of thieves in action.

The Office of the Sheriff estimates the crimes – an exact number has yet to be given – have resulted in the loss of jewelry, purses, and weapons valued in excess of $300,000.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.