San Jose man accused of massive golf-ball thefts

San Jose police said on May 15 that they had arrested a 40-year-old city resident accused of stealing large quantities of golf balls from chain stores across Santa Clara County and reselling the merchandise online. The suspect, identified by police as William Yixin Pu, was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of felony grand theft, according to a San Jose Police Department news release. Investigators said the case covers about 28 separate thefts in four cities between March 25 and May 5. Police said the losses totaled nearly $8,000 and that officers recovered the golf balls during a search of Pu's residence in San Jose. ### Which stores and cities were part of the case? The San Jose Police Department said the thefts happened at multiple retail chain stores in San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara. The department did not name the stores in its public release. Police said the suspect "specifically stole large amounts of golf balls" in each incident. The release did not say which brands were taken or how many golf balls were recovered during the search. (sjpd.org) ### How did investigators say they linked the thefts? SJPD's Organized Retail Theft Detail said it opened an investigation into the theft series and worked with the Santa Clara County High Impact Team. (sjpd.org) Investigators identified Pu as the primary suspect and obtained both an arrest warrant and a search warrant for his residence, police said. The May 15 release said investigators also determined during the case that the stolen merchandise was being resold online. (sjpd.org) Police did not identify the online platform or say whether any buyers had been contacted. ### What happened when police made the arrest? On May 6, investigators arrested Pu in San Jose with assistance from the Santa Clara County High Impact Team, according to the police release. (sjpd.org) Officers executing the search warrant at his residence found and seized the stolen golf balls along with other evidence, police said. The department said Pu was then booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for felony grand theft. (sjpd.org) The public release did not list a court date, bail amount or any statement from a defense attorney. ### Why did police describe this as organized retail theft? The San Jose Police Department assigned the case to its Organized Retail Theft Detail, the unit that handles retail theft investigations and related cases. (sjpd.org) The department's release describes the matter as organized retail theft and says the investigation covered a series of thefts across several cities over roughly six weeks. The public statement does not allege that more than one suspect took part in the thefts. It says investigators identified Pu as the primary suspect and arrested him after obtaining warrants. ### What details are still not public? The May 15 release leaves several points unanswered, including which retailers reported losses, how the thefts were carried out and whether prosecutors have filed formal charges. (sjpd.org) Police also did not say how much money investigators believe the online resale generated. SJPD's press release was posted at 4:35 p.m. on May 15 on the department's news page, which lists the case as "SJPD Arrests Suspect for Organized Retail Theft." (sjpd.org) The release was authorized by Deputy Chief Brian Spears and attributed to Stacie Shih. ### What happens next in the case? Investigator Moody, identified in the release as a member of SJPD's Organized Retail Theft Detail, is asking anyone with information to call 408-277-4166. (sjpd.org) The department also said tips can be submitted anonymously through the P3TIPS mobile app, by calling 408-947-STOP, or through Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers, where information leading to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward.