Escondido CA— We have all heard the story of the Grinch, and how little Cindy Lou helped save Christmas for all those in Whoville. While the Escondido Police Department does not have a Cindy Lou, we do have an Officer St. John who may have just helped save this holiday season for many.
Around 11:15pm on Saturday, December 16, 2017 Officer St. John stopped a car at Escondido Blvd. and Valley Pkwy. for a traffic violation. Officer St. John discovered that the driver, Jerry Rabb (22 year-old resident of El Centro, Ca.) had a felony warrant. During the subsequent investigation, Officer St. John searched Rabb’s the car and found numerous mail packages. The packages, many of which were torn open Amazon boxes, appeared to have been stolen before the intended recipient could pick them up. Approximately 30 packages were recovered. The stolen items included clothing, tools, and electronics. We have identified many of the victims in this case already and are working to reunite them with their stolen property. Victims confirmed that the packages in Rabb’s car were shipped to their residence and stolen after being delivered. Rabb was arrested on his outstanding warrant and charged with P.C. 496(A)- Possession of Stolen Property.
A motive in this case remains unclear. Investigators cannot confirm if this Grinch’s heart is in-fact two sizes too small.
Anyone with additional information in this case can contact Detective Elizabeth Hundley at 760-839-4965.
The Escondido Police Department would like to remind all residents to take steps to safeguard package deliveries. Simple steps to prevent theft includes:

• Have the packages delivered to a neighbor or friend that is home during the day.
• Request signature confirmation on all packages to prevent delivery drivers from leaving packages unattended.
• UPS and FedEx offer services to notify you ahead of a delivery, or to hold the package at a mailing facility until you are available to pick up the item.
• There is an Amazon Locker in front of the 7-11 at 503 W. Washington Ave. Packages can be sent to and stored in the secure locker until the purchaser is available to pick them up.

Please follow the police department via Facebook at www.facebook.com/EscondidoPolice and Twitter (@EscondidoPolice).
Anonymous tips can me made through the department website at: http://police.escondido.org/ or via the Anonymous Tip Line at 760.743.TIPS (8477).