Credit Card Fraud Ring in Monrovia? Burglary and Thefts

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for August 6-8 – Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 484 service events, resulting in 81 investigations.

Residential Burglary

On August 6 at 8:24 p.m., an officer responded to the 200 block of Orange regarding a residential burglary that occurred sometime between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. An unknown suspect(s) broke a rear window to gain entry. The home was ransacked, but there was no loss. Investigation continuing.

Theft from a Vehicle

On August 7 at 11:19 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 400 block of East Walnut. The theft occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The victim's vehicle was parked in the carport, adjacent to the alley. The loss was a purse and the vehicle stereo. Investigation continuing

Vehicle Burglary

On August 8 at 9:51 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 600 block of South Canyon. The burglary occurred between 9:00 p.m. on August 7 and 6:00 a.m. on August 8. The victim's vehicle was parked in the driveway. The suspect(s) gained entry by an unknown means. There were no signs of forced entry. A knife, sunglasses, and a phone charger were stolen. Investigation continuing.

Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Attempted Fraud and Identity Theft

On August 8 at 10:21 a.m., an attempted fraud and identity theft occurred in the 1600 block of South Mountain. Patrol responded and arrested the male who was attempting to open store credit with a fraudulent California driver's license and fraudulent credit card. The male told the arresting officer he was "dropped off" at the location. During the booking process, the arresting officer found a car key and additional fraudulent credit cards and another fraudulent driver's license in his possession. Detectives went to the business parking lot and found the suspect's vehicle. The Detectives got consent to search and recovered additional fraudulent credit cards, fraudulent credit application and a laptop. It appears this subject is part of a fraud ring using other people's information to obtain store credit from various merchant retailers. Detectives are currently working with bank investigators to locate victims from the credit cards, driver's licenses and fraudulent credit applications. The suspect is in custody and is also wanted on a no bail warrant from Nevada for another fraud case.

- Brad Haugaard