‘Find My iPad’ app helps catch burglary suspect

Morgan Hill police recovered about $7,000 worth of electronics equipment using a tracking application downloaded to one of the missing items.

The victim of a recent residential burglary in San Jose called Morgan Hill police Monday, notifying them that among the stolen items was an iPad tablet activated with a GPS signaling device and an application known as Find My iPad, according to Morgan Hill police Sgt. Troy Hoefling. 

Police used this information to verify that the GPS signal from the stolen device was coming from the area of San Tomas Lane in Morgan Hill, police said. 

Officers determined the occupant of the home was on active parole for drug violations, and was identified as Alfredo Maldonado, Jr., 33 of Morgan Hill, Hoefling said. 

Police went to the home and performed a parole compliance search of Maldonado’s room, Hoefling said. During the search, officers found several electronics items in Maldonado’s bedroom. The items had been stolen during the San Jose burglary earlier in the day. The stolen iPad described to police by the victim was among the items. 

Officers recovered about $7,000 worth of stolen property at Maldonado’s home, and later returned it to the victim, Hoefling said. 

Other stolen property was also recovered at Maldonado’s home, but police did not specify what those items are. The investigation into the theft is ongoing in conjunction with the San Jose Police Department. 

Maldonado was booked at Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of stolen property and parole violation, police said.