Thief Caught With More Than 150 Keys

A Petaluma man is being investigated for a series of auto burglaries in Bodega Bay as well as a break-in at a Petaluma home in which computers, jewelry and credit cards were stolen.

Kirk Tuft Johnson, 52-year-old, was arrested Wednesday in the 200 block of Howard Street and charged with illegally using stolen credit cards, possession of stolen property and burglary.

In addition to the Petaluma break in, police allege that Johnson routinely stole keys at Doran Beach and North Salmon Creek that surfers and other beachgoers left under their tires.

During the arrest at Johnson’s home, officers found a total of 153 keys, including 60 car keys they believe were stolen. Property crimes detectives are following up all auto burglary cases with similar circumstances that occurred near Bodega within the last year.

If anyone has been a victim, where there key was taken and items stolen from their vehicle, while parked at beach parking lot near Bodega, contact the Petaluma Police Department at 778-4375 and ask for Officer Hardcastle.