Suspect Arrested in Santa Clara Golf Ball Thefts

San Jose police said a 40-year-old city resident was arrested after investigators tied him to a weeks-long series of golf-ball thefts at chain stores across Santa Clara County. The department identified the suspect as William Yixin Pu in a May 15 news release. Police said the case involved about 28 separate thefts between March 25 and May 5 in San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara. Investigators estimated the losses at nearly $8,000 and said Pu was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on a felony grand theft allegation. ### Who did police arrest, and when? William Yixin Pu, 40, was arrested on May 6 in San Jose, according to the San Jose Police Department. The department said its Organized Retail Theft Detail obtained an arrest warrant for Pu and a search warrant for his residence after identifying him as the primary suspect. San Jose police said the Santa Clara County High Impact Team assisted with the arrest. (sjpd.org) The department said Pu is a San Jose resident and was later booked into county jail for felony grand theft. ### How broad was the theft case? Between March 25 and May 5, the thefts hit multiple retail chain stores in four Santa Clara County cities, police said. (sjpd.org) The department said the incidents were reported in San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara. Police said the suspect took large amounts of golf balls in each incident. (sjpd.org) The department put the total at approximately 28 separate thefts with an estimated value of nearly $8,000. ### What did investigators say they found? A search warrant executed at Pu's residence led investigators to recover stolen golf balls and other evidence, San Jose police said. (sjpd.org) The department did not specify in the release how much merchandise was recovered or name the retail chains involved. CBS San Francisco, citing the police release, reported that investigators also concluded Pu had been reselling the stolen merchandise online. (sjpd.org) San Jose police said the same in their statement announcing the arrest. ### Which agencies worked the case? The San Jose Police Department said its Organized Retail Theft Detail opened the investigation and worked with the Santa Clara County High Impact Team. (sjpd.org) The department described the inquiry as a comprehensive investigation into organized retail theft activity in Santa Clara County. The police release did not say whether prosecutors had filed charges beyond the booking allegation as of May 15. It also did not say whether investigators believe additional suspects were involved. ### Where can the public send information? Investigator Moody #1617N of the San Jose Police Organized Retail Theft Detail is the named contact for tips, according to the department. (sjpd.org) Police asked anyone with information to call 408-277-4166. San Jose police also said tipsters can submit information anonymously through the P3TIPS mobile app, by calling 408-947-STOP, or through Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers. (sjpd.org) The department said information leading to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward through the Crime Stoppers program.