Thief Nabbed After Man Buys His Stolen Phone Off Craigslist

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Sheriff's deputies from Malibu have arrested a man they believe broke into dozens of cars over the last several months in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Deputies arrested a 28-year-old Tarzana man and recovered 163 cell phones, along with computers, wallets, gift cards and rare coins. He was booked for investigation of burglary and bail was set at $50,000.

Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. John Benedict says one of the victims was looking for a new phone on Craigslist. He found one that looked just like his old one and bought it.

When it arrived, many of his phone numbers were still programmed into it so he called deputies. Benedict says the seller's return address was on the package so deputies got a warrant and went to Hefner's home and arrested him.