Full Notification

Since July 2011, eight Orange County check cashing stores have been robbed just before the store opens for the day. Once employees arrive and enter the secured area, two to three suspects drop from a hole in the ceiling they cut overnight. In some cases, a handgun was seen. The suspects are described as Black males in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.

It is believed the suspects “Case” the locations of their crimes prior to the robberies. Be aware of people acting suspicious, or looking at security features of the business.

BUSINESS SECURITY TIPS:

Be observant!
• A good description will be vital to police, so try to remember everything you can about the incident.

Be cautious!
• Try not to work alone, but if you must, leave a radio playing in a back room to create the impression that someone else is there.
• If possible, arrange counters so that customers face the street in full view of people passing by.
• Alarms: Install a good alarm system and have it checked regularly. Make sure it is wired to go off at all potential points of entry, including doors, windows, roof openings, loading docks and vents.
• Cash: Keep as little cash around as possible. Make bank deposits frequently, but, irregularly so as not to establish a discernible pattern.
• Lighting: Light up all entrances with vandal-proof fixtures. Burglars like a nice dark place in which to work. Keep some lights on inside, and place them near the rear so that an intruder's silhouette can be seen from the street

Need a Business Survey?

Let Tustin’s Police Department Community Relations Unit help you! With a thorough security survey, the Community Relations Unit can offer suggestions to improve the security of your business. To schedule a Business Security Survey, please contact A. Tokar at (714) 573-3391 or R. Ortiz at (714) 573-3396.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Investigator Eric Haug at (714) 573- 3246. If you desire to submit a tip anonymously, please visit the OC Crime Stoppers web site at http://www.occrimestoppers.org/ If you see any suspicious activity, call Tustin Police at (714) 573-3225 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.