Trio Busted With Stolen Saratoga Mail: Deputies

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA – Three individuals, allegedly in possession of stolen mail from Saratoga, burglary tools and a controlled substance, were arrested in Cupertino after deputies stopped their vehicle for a minor violation, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday.

Deputies patrolling the southern area of Cupertino spotted an SUV in violation of a minor vehicle code and attempted to pull it over, however, "the driver made a few elusive turns before shutting off their lights and parking," the office said.

In a neighborhood near Bollinger Road and Vernie Court, the deputies finally made contact with the individuals, and as "several" were on probation for burglary, they were searched, as well as the SUV, officials said. Recovered in the searches were a window punch, several pieces of mail for five Saratoga residents and about .2 grams of methamphetamine, deputies said.

Three suspects from San Jose were booked into Santa Clara County Jail: two for suspicion of mail theft; one for alleged possession of burglary tools.

"One of the mail theft suspects admitted to stealing mail from 'unlocked mailboxes' during the night hours," deputies said.

Suspected possession of a controlled substance was also on arrest log, however deputies did not specify who was charged. Arrested were Kyle Gogue, 30, Sara Edwards, 23, and Serenna Chitwoodoh, 26.

The agency provided the following tips for residents to help prevent mail theft:

• Do not send cash in the mail
• Pick up mail promptly after delivery, and never leave mail in the box overnight
• Drop outgoing mail directly at the post office when possible
• Install security cameras capturing your mailbox
• If you’re expecting checks, credit cards or other valuable parcels, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail if you can’t be home
• If you don’t receive an expected check, credit card or other valuable parcel, contact the issuing agency immediately
• When going on vacation, tell the Post Office so they can hold mail until you return
• If you change your address, immediately notify the post office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.

The Sheriff’s Office reminded residents that if they see suspicious behavior in their neighborhoods to call authorities.

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--Images via Santa Clara County Sheriff