Stolen goods tumble out of car as thieves flee burglary at Cal Poly rodeo grounds

Cal Poly police interrupted a burglary at the rodeo grounds early Friday morning and were able to recover at least $3,700 worth of property that fell out of the thieves’ car as they sped away.

University spokesperson Matt Lazier said police are investigating the reports of thefts and possible break-ins at two vendor booths. He did not disclose the names of the businesses.

Officers were able to recover at least some of the stolen items, but “the car got away,” Lazier said.

One business, Cattaneo Brothers Inc., said in a Facebook post that its booth at the university’s Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex was broken into around 5 a.m. on Friday.

Cattaneo Bros., a family-owned beef jerky company, wrote that in all its years at shows and events, the business has never experienced that type of theft.

“The perpetrators stole almost everything, and what they left behind was destroyed,” Cattaneo Bros. said in its post.

Cattaneo Bros. said police saw a “small, newer model White SUV” speed off with the stolen goods. The business asked anyone with information to call the Cal Poly Police Department at 805-756-2281.

Lazier said the investigation is ongoing, and no other information was available as of Saturday.

The rodeo team celebrates its 80th annual Poly Royal Rodeo this year, according to a Cal Poly news release, with a sold-out event set for Saturday night.

Poly Royal Rodeo aligns with Cal Poly’s Open House weekend, where the university is showcased to accepted students.