SAN MARINO, Calif.—An unlicensed contractor suspected of stealing a hefty sum of cash from a home in San Marino was arrested, police said Dec. 21.
Officers arrived at the 1300 block of Winston Avenue, near Huntington Drive, shortly before 3 p.m. on Dec. 13 regarding a residential robbery, according to San Marino Police Department Sgt. Naved Qureshi.
Detectives identified Jun Yao, who was evaluating a home furnace system, as the suspect. Mr. Yao was left unattended while working inside the home.
Mr. Qureshi said detectives searched Mr. Yao and his belongings and discovered an unspecified large amount of cash.
Detectives also thoroughly searched his work truck parked in the victim’s driveway, but no further cash was discovered. Mr. Yao later admitted to police after questioning that he took money from the residence.
Mr. Yao was arrested for suspicion of grand theft and taken to the Pasadena City Jail for booking, Mr. Qureshi said.
Mr. Yao was released with an own recognizance citation under the new Los Angeles County Superior Courts Pre-Arraignment Release Protocols, Mr. Qureshi said.
“The San Marino Police Department encourages residents to hire reputable contractors with [a] state of California contractor license, city of San Marino business license and receive the proper permits to conduct contractor work in their homes,” Mr. Qureshi said in a statement.
“Residents are also urged to make sure jewelry, cash or important documents are locked inside a safe. Make sure the safe is adequately bolted down to the home in order for the safe to not be easily removed.
“There are other less secure methods to hide valuables such as false wall outlets, false containers or hallowed books. It is important to maintain the security of contractors while they walk around residences.”
