Full Notification

The following is a synopsis of crimes reported for the week of May 08, 2022 - May 14, 2022.

May 08, 2022

• No significant activity. 

May 09, 2022

• Grand Theft:

1600 Mountain Avenue (Walmart).  On 05/09/22 at 5:30 pm a male black adult wearing a white shirt, light colored stone washed jeans, black beanie, large chain/necklace around the neck and a surgical mask was observed on surveillance video at an unmanned “Money center” register. The suspect is observed unlocking the register with an unknown device and once register is open, he places all the currency into a white shopping bag. The suspect meets up with a second male black adult, who was wearing a multicolored sweatshirt, blue jeans, and surgical mask who appeared to be a lookout. Both suspects walked out of the store and entered a light-colored compact SUV. Loss was approximately $9,700. 
 
May 10, 2022

• No significant activity.

May 11, 2022

• Burglary (Commercial):

1193 Huntington Drive (Planet Fitness).  On 05/11/22 at 7:24 pm suspect unknown a male Hispanic adult 33-38 years old, 5’07” – 5’ 08”, 150-160 lbs., wearing a black baseball hat, black “New Balance” windbreaker, blue jeans and red shoes entered the employee break room and stole miscellaneous employee property. Loss was approximately $1,030 and approximately. Surveillance video available.
 
May 12, 2022

• Grand Theft:

1600 Block of 1st Street. On 05/12/22 at 4:00 am two unknown male suspects stole the catalytic converter to the victims parked vehicle a grey 2007 Toyota Prius. Suspects fled the area in a dark colored 4 door Dodge Charger. Loss was approximately $1,200. No surveillance video available.

• Grand Theft:

1800 Block of Huntington Drive. On 05/12/22 at 4:15 am two unknown male suspects stole the catalytic converter to the victims parked vehicle a 2017 Nissan NV200. Suspects fled the area in a red/maroon Dodge Charger. Loss was approximately $5,000. Surveillance video available.

• Petty Theft:

1565 Central Avenue Huntington Drive (Duarte High School).  On 05/12/22 at 7:18am suspect unknown a male white adult with dark hair, wearing a dark colored jacket, and blue jeans stole the victim’s bike that was locked Infront of the location. Loss was approximately $800. Surveillance video available.

• Grand Theft Auto:

1000 Block of Galen Street.  Between 05/11/22 at 11:00 pm and 05/12/22 at 9:00 am suspect(s) unknown stole the victim’s rental truck a white 2010 Ford Econoline. The vehicle contained his business kitchen appliances with a loss of approximately $25,000. No surveillance video available. Vehicle outstanding.
 
May 13, 2022

• Burglary (Residential):

1800 Block of Orange Grove Road.  On 05/13/22 between 5:00 am and 9:00 pm suspect(s) unknown shattered the rear sliding glass door and entered the location. Suspect(s) ransacked the residence and stole a large amount of U.S. currency and jewelry. Loss was approximately $166,000. No surveillance video.

• Burglary (Commercial):

1850 Business Center Drive (D’Aquino Italian Import).  On 05/13/22 at 2:51 am two unknown suspects were observed on video surveillance driving up in a “U-Haul” box truck and cutting the lock to the rear gate to the location. The suspects went directly to an unlocked shed and stole its contents along with approximately 40 wood pallets. Loss was approximately $1,880. Surveillance video available.

• Grand Theft:

1600 Block of 3^rd Street.  Between 05/09/22 1:00 pm and 05/13/22 2:00 pm suspect(s) unknown stole the catalytic converter to the victims parked vehicle a white 2007 Honda Accord. Loss was approximately $1,500. No surveillance video available.

• Grand Theft:

1346 Huntington Drive (AutoZone).  On 05/13/22 at 8:50 am suspect unknown a male Hispanic adult, 5’07”, medium build, wearing a white shirt, dark colored shorts and a white hat entered the location and went directly to the LED headlight display. The suspect filled up a bag containing approximately 71 lights and proceeded to exit the location without attempting to purchase the items. The suspect entered a 2013 Chrysler 200 with a License plate of 7AKM118. Loss was approximately $3,660. Surveillance video available.
 
May 14, 2022

• Burglary (Commercial):

1850 Business Center Drive (D’Aquino Italian Import).  Between 05/13/22 5:00 pm and 05/14/22 at 7:00 am unknown suspect(s) cut the lock to the rear gate to the location. The suspect(s) made entry to an unlocked shed and stole its contents along with approximately 150 wood pallets. Loss was approximately $4,540. Surveillance video available.
 
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

The Appeal of Catalytic Converters 

The reason is the value of the metals used in the manufacturing of the catalytic converters. Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The metals are expensive, and thieves sell the converters to scrap yards for several hundred dollars per piece, depending on the size of the converter and the current rate on the metals inside it. It can cost you, on average up, to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter, and it is illegal to drive your car without one. The resulting gap in your exhaust system also makes the car run poorly until it is fixed.

How to prevent a catalytic converter theft:
Always park in well-lit areas when possible. If you have a personal garage, keep your car in the garage with the door closed when the vehicle is not in use. Park your vehicle close to a building entrance or the nearest access road when parking in a public lot. This is due to the increased amount of pedestrian traffic in those areas.
Security devices are available that attach to the converter, making it harder to steal. Having the converter welded in place also makes it more difficult to remove. Video surveillance around your garage or driveway is also useful if you have the budget for it. Engrave your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate onto your catalytic converter to make it easier to identify if it gets stolen.