CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Salt Lake police warn against leaving items in cars after alleged theft of up to $3K in gifts

Dec 23, 2024, 6:00 AM

A photo of shopping bags allegedly stolen from cars in Salt Lake City and found on Sunday by police...

A photo of shopping bags allegedly stolen from cars in Salt Lake City and found on Sunday by police. Salt Lake police are warning people not to leave valuables in their cars after they arrested two men who are accused of stealing gifts from cars. (Salt Lake police)

(Salt Lake police)

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake police are warning people not to leave valuables in their cars after officers arrested two men who are accused of stealing between $2,000 and $3,000 worth of property.

At 3:54 a.m. Sunday, a resident called 911 to report seeing two people wearing hoodies looking into cars at 2700 S. Elizabeth Street, Salt Lake City police said in a news release. When officers arrived in the area, they heard a car alarm, and they stopped a car they saw leaving the area.

“Inside the car, officers could see suspected stolen items, including shopping bags with receipts that didn’t match the name of either suspect. Officers also found a bike during the traffic stop that was reported as stolen,” according to the release.

The driver and passenger of the car were identified as Gabriel Esquibel, 46, and Robert Snell, 42.

“Much of the property recovered appears to be holiday shopping bags left unattended,” police said. “Based on the available information, and evidence found inside the car Esquibel drove, officers believe the two men may be responsible for other thefts not yet reported.”

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of theft or attempted theft in Salt Lake City should call 801-799-3000, police said.

Read the full story and more from Ashley Imlay on ksl.com.

Related: Be on the lookout for these holiday scams, Better Business Bureau says

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

A teen was shot and killed while driving a vehicle on Friday....

Kennedy Camarena

Fourth in custody in connection to 17-year-old shot, killed in car near Cedar City, police say

Police say a 17-year-old girl died after she was followed and shot at by another driver on Friday while driving her own vehicle.

2 days ago

Candles are lit and left on the steps after a family of five were murdered in their home in West Va...

Annie Knox

Week of tragic anniversaries calls attention to family killings in Utah

This week holds devastating anniversaries for three communities across Utah, each with a family shot and killed in domestic violence.

2 days ago

usu hazmat response...

Jacob Freeman

Arrest made after USU hazmat evacuation

One person has been arrested after a "hazmat situation" at Utah State University dormitory on Thursday night.

3 days ago

Sarah Baus, left, of Charleston, S.C., and Tiffany Cianci, who says she is a "long-form educational...

MARK SHERMAN, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Supreme Court upholds law banning TikTok if it’s not sold by its Chinese parent company

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the federal law banning TikTok beginning Sunday unless it’s sold by its China-based parent company,holding that the risk to national security posed by its ties to China overcomes concerns about limiting speech by the app or its 170 million users in the United States.   A sale does not […]

3 days ago

west valley police...

Jacob Freeman

Man steals car, drives in circles in airport parking lot, police say

Officers arrested a man they said stole a car in West Valley City, then drove to the Salt Lake City International Airport on Wednesday.

4 days ago

All Star Bowling in West Valley City...

Eric Cabrera

Flooded with trouble: Vandals cause havoc at West Valley City’s All Star Bowling

It was supposed to be a fun Friday night at All Star Bowling at Valley Fair Mall. Instead, some vandals came by and caused havoc.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your Front Row to An Extraordinary Cosmos Show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Stressed young woman checking bills, taxes, bank account balance and calculating expenses in the li...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Why you should speak to a Utah lawyer about longstanding IRS tax issues

Hiring a lawyer to navigate longstanding IRS tax issues can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable resolution.

Salt Lake police warn against leaving items in cars after alleged theft of up to $3K in gifts