LAKE COUNTY — Ongoing investigations by the Sheriff”s Major Crimes Unit into a string of residential burglaries in the Clearlake Oaks area led to two arrests and the recovery of stolen property. The Lake County Sheriff”s Office is seeking help from burglary victims and anyone else who may have information to help detectives close additional burglary cases.
For the past several months, the LCSO has responded to multiple reports of burglaries or thefts in the community of Clearlake Oaks. Detectives and patrol deputies have been coordinating investigations to develop leads on the cases. Last week, their efforts led them to a home where stolen property was being stored.
On March 24, detectives received information from one of the burglary victims that Christine Duggan, 47, and her son, Mathew Gardiner, 22, may be involved in the thefts. Detectives were told that Duggan and Gardiner were seen taking items of property in and out of a vacant residence on Oak Grove Avenue at night. Further investigation revealed that the Oak Grove Avenue home was owned by an Oakley man, who later confirmed the home was supposed to be vacant and no one had permission to be there. Detectives informed the owner of the situation and obtained permission to search the home for stolen property.
On March 28, detectives searched the Oak Grove Avenue home and found evidence that it was recently occupied. The search revealed several items of property, some of which were confirmed stolen in at least two of the prior burglary cases. Detectives contacted other burglary victims and confirmed other items of property found in the search were stolen in two other burglaries.
On March 29, deputies working the Clearlake Oaks area located and detained Duggan and Gardiner near the Oak Grove Avenue home. Detectives responded to assist and both suspects were arrested. Duggan”s Chevy pickup truck was impounded as it was also believed to contain stolen property. A search warrant for the truck was secured and detectives located two iPods in Duggan”s purse, inside the truck. The iPods were seized as suspected stolen property.
Duggan and Gardiner were both booked at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility. Duggan was charged with receiving stolen property and Gardiner was charged with first-degree burglary. Four burglary cases were closed and the investigation continues. The Sheriff”s Major Crimes Unit is seeking the public”s assistance in identifying other recovered property that has yet to be tied to any of the burglaries. Property items recovered that have yet to be identified include appliances, kitchenware, computer equipment, power tools, jewelry and numerous DVDs.
Anyone who may be a burglary or theft victim, or who may have information relating to these burglaries, is encouraged to call Detective Sergeant John Gregore at 262-4200.
