[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for May 9-12. - Brad Haugaard]
Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.
Telephone Scam Targeting the Elderly
The Monrovia Police Department has recently received several calls from elderly Monrovia citizens reporting the following telephone scam:
The elderly victim receives a call stating they owe money for an outstanding debt. The suspect soon states if they don't pay this debt, a warrant could be issued for their arrest, their bank account will be put on hold, and there is a possibility they will lose their house. The suspect then tells the victim if they want to resolve the matter, they need to purchase a Greendot prepaid money card with a certain amount, usually not more than $500.00. Once the victim obtains the card, they are to call back and give the card number so it can be verified. The suspect then transfers the money from the victim's card to another card and the money is gone. If the victim falls for the scam, the suspect sometimes calls back and tries to solicit additional money from the victim.
Please be aware of this scam and let others know this is going on so we can prevent this crime. Please inform your loved ones, especially the elderly, as they are the targets of this particular scam. Let them know to never give out personal information to anyone over the phone. A legitimate company would not operate by asking for personal information over the phone; they would have your information already.
Vandalism / Drunk in Public – Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 2:05 a.m., police responded to the report of a disturbing female subject at a business in the 1800 block of Walker that was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and located the subject. The female had been drinking and was combative. She had kicked a male acquaintance's vehicle, causing a dent in the vehicle. She was determined to be intoxicated and a danger to herself and others; she was arrested for being drunk in public.
Hiker Enters Closed Burn Area – Receives Civil Citation
May 11 at 11:30 a.m., a hiker was observed entering the closed burn area at Highland Place by a park ranger. Signs are posted prohibiting hikers from entering the area for their own safety. When the park ranger warned the hiker and told him not to enter the area, the hiker ignored him and told the ranger to call the police, and he said he was going to keep walking. The police department was called and officers responded to the location. The suspect stopped for the officers; he was issued a civil Administrative Citation for entering the restricted burn area.
Commercial Burglary – Suspect Arrested
May 11 at 11:39 a.m., a suspect entered a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain Avenue, selected an automatic utility pump and put it in a cart. The suspect walked around the store with the cart for a while and then attempted to exit the store without paying for the merchandise. He was followed out of the store by loss prevention. When contacted, the suspect attempted to push the loss prevention officer and a struggle ensued. He was eventually taken into custody by loss prevention. Officers responded to the location and the suspect was arrested.
That telephone scam sounds just like the complaints posted at CALLERCENTER. I have read reports from several people about getting calls from anonymous callers asking them to pay for nonexistent debts. But it's a bluff and anybody who receives a call like it should just hang up.
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