The following is a synopsis of crimes reported for the week of August 25, 2024 – August 31, 2024.
August 25, 2024
- Petty Theft (Shoplifting):
1088 Huntington Drive (T-Mobile). On August 25, 2024 at 11:40 AM, the suspect, a male hispanic adult wearing a blue dodger shirt and black pants, entered the location. The suspects stole a black T-Mobile child watch and exited the store without attempting to purchase the item. The suspects fled the location on foot and out of view. Surveillance video is available. The loss was approximately $174.
August 26, 2024
- Petty Theft (Shoplifting):
1050 Huntington Drive (Target). On August 26, 2024 at 5:18 PM, the unknown suspect, a male white adult dressed in a black shirt and blue shorts, entered the location and began to place multiple “Tide Pods” into a black tote bag. The suspect exited the location without attempting to purchase the items, where he fled on foot and out of view. The loss was approximately $305. Surveillance video is available.
1346 Huntington Drive (Auto Zone). On August 26, 2024 at 6:25 AM, the suspect(s) unknown entered the business from the front door using a key. The suspect(s) ransacked the location, stole U.S. currency from an unlocked safe, and the key FOB to a company vehicle. The loss was approximately $1,680. When deputies responded to the location for an audible alarm, they recovered six $100 bills that were left on the ground in front of the location. No surveillance video is available.
August 27, 2024
August 28, 2024
751 Encanto Parkway (Encanto Park). On August 28, 2024 at 11 AM, the unknown suspect stole the victim's black Cinelli bicycle that was left unattended. The loss was approximately $10,000. No surveillance video is available.
August 29, 2024
1600 Mountain Avenue (Walmart). On August 29, 2024 at 10:46 AM, the suspect, a male black adult wearing a black shirt and green pants, entered the location and began driving a motorized shopping cart. The suspect began driving throughout the store selecting numerous items. The suspect passed all manned registers and failed to show loss prevention his receipt as he headed for the exit. The loss prevention attempted to retrieve the merchandise from the cart, when suddenly, the suspect jumped out of the cart and punched the victim in the face. The suspect proceeded to remove a plastic pole from the cart and began swinging it towards the victim. A bystander intervened and assisted in detaining the suspect pending the arrival of deputies. Surveillance video is available. The stolen property was valued at approximately $280.
2711 Huntington Drive (Fancy Kids Barbershop). Between 6:40 PM on August 28, 2024 and 8:50 AM on August 29, 2024, the suspect(s) unknown shattered the front glass window and ransacked the location. The suspect(s) stole the register containing U.S. currency. The loss was approximately $270. No surveillance video is available.
August 30, 2024
1322 Huntington Drive (Grocery Outlet). On August 30, 2024 at 6:35 PM, the suspect, described as a female black adult 25-30 years old, long gray hair, wearing a white jacket, and a pink shirt, entered the location. The manager recognized the suspect from prior thefts at the location and observed the suspect select several items (Fanta soda & Haribo Goldbears) and proceed to the exit passing all manned registers. As the suspect passed all manned registers and failed to attempt to pay for the merchandise, the manager attempted to stop the suspect and retrieve the stolen property. The suspect swung her purse at the manager striking him in the face. The victim fearing for his safety attempted to pepper spray the suspect. The suspect fled the location in an unknown direction. The stolen merchandise was valued at approximately $5. Surveillance video is available.
August 31, 2024
1300 Block of Highland Avenue. On August 31, 2024 at 3:42 PM, the suspect(s) unknown entered the location by unknown means. The suspect(s) ransacked the location and stole US currency from a suitcase, a “Gucci” purse, and a security camera. The loss was approximately $7,500. Surveillance video showed a male hispanic adult wearing an orange construction shirt, reflective vest, and a gardener style hat prior to the camera being removed.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS - PRINCIPLES OF CRIME PREVENTION
- Target Hardening - Making your property harder for an offender to access
- Upgrading the locks on your doors, windows, sheds, and outbuildings
- Using secure passwords to prevent criminals from hacking your online accounts
- Target Removal - Ensuring that potential crimes of opportunity are out of view
- Not leaving items in view through your windows- i.e. laptops, phones, keys, bags
- Putting your vehicle in the garage if you have one and not leaving valuables on display
- Being cautious about what you post online as it may be used to identify or locate you offline
- Reducing the Means - Removing items that may help commit an offense
- Don’t leave items lying around that could be used to force entry into your vehicle or house
- Not leaving tools and ladders in plain view
- Trim back shrubbery hiding doors or windows
- Reducing the Payoff - Reducing the profit the criminal can make from the offense
- Marking your property in such a way that others will not want to buy it from the thief
- Inscribing your initials on property in several locations
- Never buy property you believe or suspect to be stolen
