Burlingame iPhone Thief Pleads Not Guilty; Awaits Trial

A man who allegedly stole iPhones from several Burlingame and South San Francisco businesses has pleaded not guilty.

Anthony Simat, 26, was arrested last week by South San Francisco Police for a rash of office place burglaries in Burlingame, South San Francisco and Daly City, and in other counties, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office. 

Simat would answer a business – such as a dental office or car repair dealership – and ask the receptionist or person up front a rash of questions. He often gave the phony name of Mike.

He would then loiter in the office area until the desk attendant left momentarily or would ask for a glass of water. When the employee left the front desk area, he would still either an iPhone or an iPad on the desk and flee the area.

Several of the victims had video surveillance, and police created a track flyer for distribution throughout the Bay Area. This led to the identification of Simat as the burglar, and his subsequent arrest.

A 26-year-old transient, Simat was located at a friend's house at Pinole and arrested after he allegedly admitted to detectives that he was responsible for the thefts, according to South San Francisco police.

He allegedly said he was addicted to heroin and oxycontin and stole the phones to fund his drug habit.

The case has been set for a preliminary hearing on April 19. Bail was set at $100,000 and Simat remains in custody.