Laptops Thefts at Foster City Coffee Shops

On Sunday, August 4th, at approximately 1:30 p.m., an individual victim had their laptop stolen from them while seated at the Starbucks Coffee Shop on Alma Lane. On Monday, August 5th, at approximately 4:00 p.m. another victim also had their laptop stolen from them while seated at the Starbucks on Metro Center Boulevard. In each case, the victims were working on their laptops while at the coffee shop when the suspect approached them unnoticed and quickly grabbed the laptop right off the table in front of where the victims were seated. On both occasions after grabbing the laptops the unidentified suspect ran from the businesses and met up with additional accomplices.

During the theft at the Alma Lane location, witnesses saw two suspects get into a black colored Nissan Versa and be driven away by an undescribed, awaiting driver. The suspects were described as African American males in their late teens or early 20s with slim builds and they were both wearing hooded sweatshirts. At the Metro Center Boulevard location, witnesses described three suspects as African American males in their late teens or early 20s with slim builds. The suspect who initially grabbed the computer wore a red and green bandana on his head. The other two suspects wore hooded style sweatshirts.   

In both incidents, FCPD officers quickly responded to the area and conducted an extensive search for the suspects, but were unable to locate them. Follow up investigation has included an attempt to obtain surveillance camera footage from Starbucks and surrounding businesses. Should suspect images be located, we will share this information in an attempt to positively identify the involved suspects.

The Foster City Police Department would like provide community members with the following crime prevention tips to avoid being the victim of this sort of crime:

Please be aware of your surroundings at all times. If using earphones while working on your laptop, consider wearing only one of the two earphones so you can still hear in case there are any immediate emergencies.

If you are going to work on your laptop, consider picking a spot that is not near the doors (easy access for thieves).

Try not to sit with your back to parking lots or other open spaces so you will be aware of persons approaching.

Never leave any of your personal property unattended where someone could easily take it.

For crime prevention information, you can visit our website at www.fostercity.org/police/page/crime-prevention-community-outreach or call 650-286-3300 and ask for the Crime Prevention-Community Outreach Officer.

JOE PIERUCCI

CHIEF OF POLICE

Tip Line:  650-286-3323