DATE: July 25, 2016

On July 23, 2016, at 11:20 a.m., the Piedmont Police Department was notified of a possible fraudulent transaction utilizing AirBNB for a residence in the 0-100 block of Sharon Avenue, Piedmont.

The victim reported a subject, later identified as ELISEL NAVARRO, had used stolen personal identifying information to fraudulently rent out the victim’s residence. The victim provided NAVARRO with access to the residence keys prior to approval from AirBNB. The victim requested police assistance after being notified by AirBNB of reservation denial.

Piedmont Police observed NAVARRO throwing a bag of stolen jewelry out of the victim’s residence window. NAVARRO then attempted to flee upon seeing the police but was captured a short distance away. NAVARRO was found in possession of stolen property from a reported auto burglary that occurred in San Ramon the previous day. NAVARRO was interviewed and told officers he had knowingly purchased the personal identifying information of another person to fraudulently use in his attempt through AirBNB.

NAVARRO was booked for burglary, forgery/fraud, possession of methamphetamine, and resisting arrest.

NAVARRO has prior arrests in Alameda County for residential burglary, auto theft, and drugs.

Anyone with information regarding this case or the suspect are asked to contact Detective Robert Coffey at (510) 420-3010.

*Editors’ Note:  The Piedmont Planning Commission recommended to the City Council in 2015 that rentals such as AirBNB not be permitted in Piedmont.  The Piedmont City Council scheduled consideration of an ordinance concerning the rentals for September 2015, however, the Council delayed action on the matter, and has yet to adopt an ordinance. 

Currently, AirBNB like rentals are not considered compliant with Piedmont ordinances.  No announcements have been provided on when further consideration of the matter will be undertaken by the City Council.  When consideration is announced, it will be published on this PCA website.