The following is a synopsis of crimes reported for the week of December 1, 2024 – December 7, 2024.
December 1, 2024
1600 Block of Buena Vista Street. On December 1, 2024 at 10:16 AM, the suspect, a male black adult wearing a black sweater and black pants, was observed in the victim’s house after an Airbnb customer arrived at the location and were confronted by the suspect. The customers called the property owner who called 9-1-1. Upon deputies’ arrival the suspect was detained and arrested.
December 2, 2024
December 3, 2024
1565 Central Avenue (Duarte High School). On December 3, 2024 at 12:20 AM, the suspects unknown, a male adult wearing a white hoodie and a female adult wearing a black shirt and black shorts, were on school property and entered an unlocked storage room. Upon exiting the location, the male is observed with a sound machine belonging to the school district. The suspects fled the area west bound on foot and out of camera view. Surveillance video is available. The loss was approximately $4,000.
December 4, 2024
December 5, 2024
December 6, 2024
December 7, 2024
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS - FRAUD ALERT (GIFT CARD SCAM)
Scammers are cutting off security codes from gift cards at local stores before they're purchased, allowing the scammer to use whatever amount of money is put on them.
The scammers cut off the top that gives you the code that gives you access to your money for the person that you give the card to.
The scammer then places what’s left of the card, which is now worthless, back in the envelope, seals it, and puts it back on the store rack, where the innocent consumer purchases the card and loads money on to it.
It is recommended if you are buying a gift card, either feel for the entire card, it should be the same size as a credit card, or with the permission of the store, when you go up to purchase these, as you’re purchasing them, remove them from these folders and actually take the card and make sure that the whole card is there.
