Items Stolen in Burglary Ring Belong to Murrieta, Temecula Residents

Authorities are seeking residents of Murrieta, Temecula and other Riverside County cities who may be the rightful owners of recovered stolen goods taken by alleged members of a Rainbow burglary ring, it was announced.

The items, allegedly stolen during burglaries that occurred during December 2012 and January 2013 in North San Diego County and Riverside County, include guns, gold, coins, cash, jewelry, ammunition, military medals, a laptop computer, and collectible "Peanuts," "Star Wars" and baseball trading cards.

Detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff's Fallbrook Substation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service launched a joint investigation following the burglaries, according to an April 15 news release.

In February, their investigation led them to a house in the 2200 block of Huffstater Road in Rainbow. Stolen items were allegedly found there, as well as in a storage unit in Temecula.

The items are believed to belong to people who live in Temecula, Murrieta and other areas of Riverside County.

Three people were said to be in custody in connection with the burglaries: Erik Watte, 26, Henry Zermeno, 22, and a 17‐year‐old boy whose identity was not provided because of his age.

Anyone who believes the above described items may belong to them was encouraged to call the Fallbrook Sheriff's Station at 760-451‐3109.

Detectives would also like to hear from people who have been victims of mail theft recently.

"While mail theft is minimal in the San Diego area, Postal Inspectors work aggressively with local agencies to combat any reports of mail theft," stated Postal Inspector In Charge of the Los Angeles Division, Adam P. Behnen. "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains vigilant, pursuing criminals to ensure the public's trust in a safe and secure mail system."