The San Francisco Gate reported that four suspects were arrested this past weekend after they allegedly looted some $3500 worth of merchandise 

That incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday morning at a Lego Store located in San Mateo's Hillsdale Shopping Center. The alleged thieves then proceeded to exit the shopping mall and get into a waiting Volkswagen Jetta.

Accused thieves drove to San Francisco

The San Mateo Police Department later released a statement on Facebook saying that it was "pleased to announce the successful resolution of a $3,500 theft incident that occurred at the Hillsdale Shopping Center Lego Store."

"Through diligent investigation and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, our officers have apprehended and arrested the individuals responsible for the crime," the statement continued.

The press release credited "a vigilant store employee" with having "followed the suspects into the parking lot, where the suspects were seen entering a Volkswagen Jetta occupied by the driver."

It explained that "officers made contact with the registered owner of the Volkswagen Jetta, discovering that the vehicle had been rented through a third-party application."

Three adults and one 17-year-old taken facing charges

The vehicle was subsequently tracked as it traveled through multiple counties before it was located by officers from the San Francisco Police Department at 4:10 p.m.

Four occupants of the vehicle were detained after officers discovered a handgun along with evidence from the Hillsdale Shopping Center Lego Store.

Jose Heredia Lopez, Karlos Mason, Makayla Wells Melgoza, and an unnamed 17-year-old male suspect are facing charges in connection with the heist. What's more, additional charges relating to the handgun may be laid following further investigation.

SMPD is pleased to announce the successful resolution of a $3,500 theft incident that occurred at the Hillsdale Shopping Center Lego Store. More info at https://t.co/maXX0nBqPN. pic.twitter.com/SajTkrkbsz

— San Mateo PD (@SanMateoPD) June 25, 2023

Bill would limit ability of store employees to confront thieves

Theft has been a growing problem in California, and some believe it will only get worse after the state Senate passed a bill this month which would keep store employees from confronting thieves.

According to Newsweek, the legislation is known as Senate Bill 553, and supporters say it will reduce the potential for violence.

However, the bill was slammed in an op-ed piece by Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, who asked, "So as an employee, you got to take it as people ransack your workplace. When does it stop?"

"When does this start including car dealerships or Tiffany's?" he continued, adding, "Why is it just stuff that you can afford? And how far is too far?"