Thursday, July 16, 2009

Curbside House Number Paint Scams

The City of Los Alamitos asks Residents to be wary of curbside house number paint scams. For more information, please follow the link below to see how you can protect yourself and handle these situations. You will learn more about the only currently authorized group painting curbs in the City, at this time - Canning Hunger.

City of Los Alamitos Press Release

2 Suspicious Women Pose as Law Enforcement Officials

On Wednesday, July 15, two suspicious women posing as Los Alamitos Police Officers talked their way into an elderly resident’s home in the 11300 block of Reagan at approximately 12:45 pm. The unidentified women, who approached the home separately, were similarly described as White, 30 - 40 years of age, heavyset, and tall. The first subject identified herself with what appeared to be a badge she presented from her breast pocket. Stating there had been an early morning drug raid a few houses away, she told the male resident it was possible more drugs could be found in his backyard and it needed to be searched. After allowing the first female suspect in the home to inspect the rear yard, a second female entered the residence a few moments later and was subsequently found by the male resident’s wife in their master bedroom looking through the couple’s belongings. The second female subject was startled by the resident and both subjects immediately left the home telling the residents that everything was okay. At this time, it is unknown if anything was stolen or what exactly they were looking for. The female impersonators were last seen leaving the area in what the victims believe was a dark colored SUV similar in appearance to a Chevy Tahoe or Suburban.

It is a crime to impersonate a peace officer and residents are asked to remain vigilant and wary of suspicious persons in their neighborhood matching the description of these women.

In addition to their badges, members of the Los Alamitos Police Department also carry their department photo identification cards, and are required to provide their name and identification number to anyone who asks. If you are unsure of the identity of the person identifying himself or herself as a police officer call the department’s dispatch communication center at (562) 594-7232 for verification.

If you have information regarding the identity of the persons matching the above, you are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Sharon Kerbow at the Los Alamitos Police Department. She can be reached at (562) 431-2255, extension 405.