Monrovia Police: Threatening Phone Calls, Watch Out for 'Distraction' Burglaries

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for July 23-25. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 536 service events, resulting in 86 investigations.

 

Threats / Annoying Phone Calls

July 23 at 5:09 p.m., a mental health facility in the 2600 block of South California called to report a disturbed client who was making threatening phone calls and was now at the facility.  The client is a 42-year-old, male Hispanic subject.  He was upset at his doctor and was demanding a termination of service form.  The subject is schizophrenic, off his medication, and was acting oddly and making wild allegations.  Officers responded, but the subject left the location prior to their arrival.  The suspect was not located.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Vehicle Burglary

July 24 at 8:58 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in a business parking lot in the 700 block of East Huntington.  The burglary occurred between 7:15 and 8:45 p.m.  The victim left the windows of the vehicle down 4 to 5 inches.  A wallet and the car stereo were stolen.  Investigation continuing.

 

 

Tip of the Week

  

Distraction Burglaries - Don't Be a Victim

Recently, there have been a number of burglaries in the San Gabriel Valley where suspects have posed as either city workers or utility workers.  Please be cautious anytime someone comes to your door claiming to be a utility worker.  In these recent cases, the suspect wore a shirt and/or hat that identified him as a worker with a particular city or utility.  They convinced the resident to go into the backyard to look at either an electrical pole or some other meter.  While the victim is distracted in the backyard, a second suspect enters the home, ransacking various rooms and stealing property.  In each case, the suspect has either had a cell phone or wireless headset that allowed him to keep in contact with the second suspect.

  

Anytime someone contacts you at your residence claiming to be a utility or city worker, request that they show you valid identification.  A genuine caller will be happy to comply and there is no need to be embarrassed.  Distraction burglars often target single occupant homes and the elderly, but anyone can become a victim if you are not on your guard.  Remember, you do not have to open your door to anyone.  If you have any concerns about the validity of their employment, please call the Monrovia Police Department and have an officer come out and verify that they are a legitimate utility or city worker.