2 Accused Of Stealing $130K In Items From San Mateo Rental Car

SAN MATEO, CA — San Mateo investigators have apprehended two suspects accused of breaking into a car earlier in the week and stealing items worth more than $130,000, according to police.

Investigators said a witness phoned 911 shortly after 8 p.m. Monday and told dispatchers they saw someone break a car window, steal a purse, then flee in a gray minivan.

Officers responded to the 100 block of East 4th Avenue and spoke with the victim who told police the vehicle was a rental car. She told officers her purse was missing, along with luggage containing electronics and jewelry valued at more than $130,000.

Investigators developed a description of the two suspects and the getaway van and obtained a license plate number associated with the vehicle, police said.

The next day, Menlo Park officers called to alert San Mateo detectives they had found the vehicle in their city and detained the two people inside. The officers traveled to Menlo Park where police said they were successfully identified as the suspects in the burglary. Police identified the pair accused in the crime as Antonio Taylor, 42, of San Francisco, and Njeri Harmbe, 28, of Oakland.

"This arrest highlights the hard work and dedication our officers have in solving crime and keeping our community safe," the San Mateo Police Department wrote. "The collaborative effort between Menlo Park PD and our department was important to the successful apprehension os the two suspects."

Investigators are still working to recover all of the stolen items and ask anyone with information to contact them at 650-522-7700.