Two men were behind bars Thursday in connection with retail thefts in Encinitas dating back to at least the summer, sheriff’s officials said.
Omar Najera, 34, was taken into custody in Encinitas Wednesday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, while Daniel Dipinto, 60, was arrested in Mission Valley.
The investigation began on Aug. 29, when deputies from the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station responded to a call of a theft at the REI store on Leucadia Boulevard in Encinitas.
When they arrived, they learned a suspect, later identified as Dipinto, had allegedly stolen a Yeti cooler valued at nearly $300. Dipinto was seen fleeing the scene in a black Audi.
In addition, the vehicle description matched that of a car that had been linked to previous shoplifting incidents in the area.
During the course of their investigation, deputies from the station’s Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Unit connected Dipinto to other thefts at businesses including Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Among the stolen items were more Yeti coolers, Legos, Tumi bags and assorted women’s clothing totaling nearly $6,700.
Deputies also say that Dipinto obtained credit card numbers that had allegedly been stolen by another suspect, later identified as Najera. Investigators believe Najera was trading the stolen credit card information for stolen goods from Dipinto.
Following the arrests, more stolen merchandise was recovered, authorities said. Dipinto and Najera face numerous theft and identity theft-related charges.
