Wanted serial antique burglar arrested by Santa Babara County Sheriff’s deputies

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a suspected serial antique shop burglar on Wednesday.

Officials found 46-year-old Richard Martin Loots of Oceano , on the 1600 block of E. Clark.

Loots was identified as the suspect from a burglary at the Vintage Antique Mall on March 27, in the 200 block of Union Avenue.

After the investigation, police found Loots was stealing items from various antique shops throughout San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County.

He was found with several stolen objects, including collector’s coins, jewelry and other antique items.

Loots was arrested for an active post-release community supervision (PRCS), no-bail felony warrant out of San Luis Obispo County and burglary for the offense that happened on March 27.

Deputies also booked Loots for possession of a control substance, drug paraphernalia, and possession of tear gas.

He is being held without bail due to his San Luis Oobispo County probation violations.

If you believe you or your business have been a victim of theft, related to antique malls and pawn shops, please contact SBSO deputy Green by email.

The case is still under investigation. If you have any information, please call 805-681-4171. You may remain anonymous if you prefer.