Three arrested in San Mateo County after stealing thousands from Safeway stores

In the United States, specifically in San Mateo County, three individuals were arrested following a series of thefts from two Safeway grocery stores on July 7, 2025. The incidents began around 3:27 PM at a Safeway located in the Hayward Park neighborhood of San Mateo. Two teenage boys were reported to have stolen approximately $1,200 in alcoholic beverages. Shortly after, they entered a silver Audi sedan driven by a third suspect. Together, they proceeded to another Safeway store in a nearby city, where they managed to steal an additional $2,500 worth of products. As law enforcement officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the suspects fled at a high speed into neighboring jurisdictions, prompting a chase by multiple police agencies. The pursuit ended when police successfully detained all three suspects not long after the second theft. The main perpetrator, Fardy Robles, a 20-year-old from Antioch, now faces several charges including grand theft, conspiracy, evading police, and contributing to the delinquency of minors. The two teenagers, both 16 years of age, were arrested on similar charges as well but were subsequently released into the custody of their parents and guardians. The incidents have raised concerns in the local community regarding safety and crime in retail environments, prompting calls from community leaders for increased security measures to deter similar thefts in the future. These thefts reflect a growing trend of organized retail crime, which has been a topic of discussion among lawmakers and law enforcement officials. The collaborative effort between various jurisdictions to pursue the suspects illustrates a commitment to addressing such crimes effectively. Local residents are increasingly concerned about the frequency of thefts in their neighborhoods, drawing attention to the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to ensure the safety of both shoppers and store employees. In reaction to these events, law enforcement emphasized the importance of community cooperation in reporting suspicious behavior. Officials are also exploring methods to enhance security at retail locations, including improved surveillance technologies and training for store employees on recognizing and responding to theft attempts. The outcome of these arrests may influence future policy decisions and community engagement strategies as officials look to combat organized crime more effectively.