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Thief Caught With More Than 150 Keys

Police say the Petaluma man preyed on people who left their keys under their tires while they went to the beach

 

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.

Barry Bussewitz February 8, 2013 at 01:15 pm
Yay, Petaluma Police! I appreciate the twin arms of prevention and detection — and apprehension! Thank you officers, detectives and staff!
Andrew Haynes February 8, 2013 at 06:18 pm
And thanks to the citizen who turned in the doofus.
MICHAEL P WILSON "Independent Kid" February 9, 2013 at 01:00 am
Police say the Petaluma man preyed on people who left their keys under their tires while they went to the beach. This is to much. Why not just leave your widows down. with your car running? This is a bunch of soft headed dumb "victims"

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