Battery Investigation - Request for Information

On Wednesday, June 15, 2016, patrol officers investigated three separate reports of battery that occurred during the evening in the residential area south of Katella Avenue, between Maple Street and Lexington Avenue. 

Officers determined that between approximately 4:00 P.M. and 6:30 P.M., three adult women were approached by a similarly described individual and their buttocks were touched or grabbed by the suspect.  The suspect then fled the area on a skateboard.  None of the victims or witnesses knew the suspect.  A witness stated there may be a fourth victim who has not come forward.

The suspect is described as an African American Male, or possibly a Hispanic Male with a dark complexion, between 18 and 25 years old.  He is further described as being short and thin, with some light facial hair, and was wearing a dark t-shirt and dark shorts at the time. 

While the three identified crimes being investigated are classified as misdemeanors in the State of California, the Los Alamitos Police Department believes incidents like these have a significant impact on our residents' feeling of safety in the community.  As such, the Police Department is actively working to identify and prosecute the individual responsible.

Investigators are also working to determine if there are additional victims and circumstances in these incidents, and whether the suspect resides in or is associated with the area.  If anyone witnessed these incidents or has information that may assist investigators in the matter; they are encouraged to telephone the Los Alamitos Police Watch Commander at (562) 431-2255 ext. 426, or Detective Kim at (562) 431-2255 ext. 407.  Or they may anonymously telephone O.C. Crimestoppers at (855) 847-6227 or submit a tip via www.occrimestoppers.org.

Submitted by:

Sean Connolly, Captain

(562) 431-2255 ext. 420 

sconnolly@cityoflosalamitos.org

Homicide Investigation - Person of Interest

On Sunday, October 25, 2015 at approximately 5:05 PM, officers responded to the area of Pine Street and Catalina Street in Los Alamitos due to a report of shots heard.  Upon arrival, a victim of gunshot wounds was found at the scene, where he was declared deceased.  For further information, please click here. 

 

If anyone witnessed this incident or has information that may assist investigators in this matter, please contact the Los Alamitos Police Watch Commander at 562-431-2255 extension 426.  You may also anonymously telephone O. C. Crimestoppers at 855-847-6227 or submit a tip via www.occrimestoppers.org

 

 

Public Advisory - Fraudulent Attempt to Collect Money

Public Advisory:

In an attempt to deceive community members and fraudulently collect money from unsuspecting victims , a person identifying himself as “Major Barret” is soliciting donations by telephone for a charitable fundraiser on behalf of a fictitious organization named the Los Alamitos Police Sheriff’s Association.  Targeting the elderly and others who believe the legitimacy of the caller.  Scam artists will use official titles and  renditions of government agencies to dupe their victims.  The Los Alamitos Police Department does not solicit monetary donations and  asks the public to be wary of phone calls and persons seeking donations.  

If you have been a victim of such a crime, please contact the police department’s non-emergency phone number at (562) 594-7232.

A Vehicle is Stolen Every 33 Seconds in the U.S.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released their annual report detailing the current state of auto theft in the United States.  In California, the 10 most stolen vehicles are the following:


1 1994 Honda Accord
2 1998 Honda Civic
3 1991 Toyota Camry
4 1994 Acura Integra
5 2004 Chevrolet Pick-Up (Full Size)
6 2006 Ford Pick-Up (Full Size)
7 1994 Nissan Sentra
8 2010 Toyota Corolla
9 1997 Nissan Altima
10 1988 Toyota Pickup 4x2

Many are on the list due to their popularity and longevity, creating a large, lucrative market for stolen used parts.  It is also believed that improvement in anti-theft technology has kept the numbers of newer vehicles potentially on the list low.  However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) notes that the number of vehicles recovered has fallen to 57% over the past three years.  Organized crime has taken a greater interest in these stolen vehicles and the used parts market they feed.  Many vehicles are not recovered and many that are recovered are severely damaged and missing significant parts.

The NICB (www.nicb.org) publishes a number of tips for preventing theft and various frauds.  You can download these at the following link (https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/brochures).

In the time you read this post and viewed the embedded video on YouTube, more than 8 more vehicles were stolen in the U.S.  Please lock your doors, remove your keys from the ignition, close your windows completely, and park in well-lit areas.  For the next 3 layers of protection, download the auto theft prevention brochure from the NICB website.

High Tech Gadgets Defeat Modern Electronic Car Locks

Police in Southern California have been investigating the high tech means by which a few criminals are accessing locked vehicles.  The Los Alamitos Police Department recommends utilizing standard locks as a valuable first line of defense in preventing crime, however removing valuables from vehicles, even when parked at your own home, increases your likelihood of not being victimized.

Watch this news report on this crime trend.

New Story

"Sliders" Warning

Police Departments in other parts of the country have given a name to a method of stealing purses and other property from vehicles at a gas station.  "Sliders" sneak up to vehicles while the driver is distracted with fueling their vehicles.  The criminal opens the unlocked door and takes the property and generally escape with the assistance of an accomplice.

The Los Alamitos Police Department has not documented any local incidents specifically using this method of criminality, yet, however we suggest anyone who is outside their vehicle and distracted with any sort of task to lock their door.  Utilizing standard locks in a consistent manner is an effective first line of defense in preventing crime.

Watch this news story for more information.

News Story

Distraction Burglaries

The Los Alamitos Police Department reminds residents to be suspicious of anyone who comes to their door without an appointment asking for access to the inside or outside of their home.   Even those claiming to be a utility worker may quickly offer fraudulent identification to gain access to your property.   If you are not able to verify that the person is with the utility company and has a valid reason for being there, you should ask them to wait outside while you call the company to verify who they are and why they are there.  Recently, one person posing as a Vector Control employee, and then another as a neighbor, asked for access to the backyard of the victims.  While the resident was assisting the one requesting access to the backyard, another entered the house and burglarized it.  These types of crimes become more common as criminals become more creative.  If you are in doubt or don’t feel comfortable with the circumstances, call the Police and an officer will come out to assist you. 

News Story

Burglary Prevention Tip

The Los Alamitos Police Department reminds residents to be suspicious of anyone who comes to their door without an appointment asking for access to the inside or outside of their home.   Even those claiming to be a utility worker may quickly offer fraudulent identification to gain access to your property.   If you are not able to verify that the person is with the utility company and has a valid reason for being there, you should ask them to wait outside while you call the company to verify who they are and why they are there.  Recently, a person posing as a Vector Control employee asked for access to a backyard, and while the resident was assisting him, another entered the house and burglarized it.   These types of crimes are becoming more common as criminals become more sophisticated.  If you are still in doubt or don’t feel comfortable with the circumstances, call the Police and an officer will come out to assist you. 

Jogger Stabbed in Rossmoor

Orange County Register article

On October 23, 2012 at approximately 9:15 P.M., the Orange County Sheriff’s Department began investigating an assault that occurred in the community of Rossmoor.  According to news reports, a 28 year old woman was jogging in the 3200 block of Bostonian Drive when the suspect grabbed her from behind.  In the ensuing conflict, the victim suffered stab wounds to the arms, hands, and face.  The suspect later fled the area on a BMX bicycle.  A search of the area was unsuccessful and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect is described as a Latino man in his 20’s, between 5 feet, 7 inches and 5 feet, 9 inches tall, with a thin build.  He was wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department asks that anyone with information about the attack on October 23^rd, call 714-628-7170. Tips can also be submitted at 855-TIP-OCCS, 855-847-6227, or occrimestoppers.org.

The Los Alamitos Police Department encourages people to call and report unusual activity occurring in the community.  Our community members are vital partners that enhance our ability to disrupt criminal activity before it occurs, and be in the most efficient position to apprehend violators if criminal activity does occur.  In addition, we will continue to actively cooperate with all our Public Safety partners to maintain a safe community. 

If you see something or someone suspicious in your neighborhood, do not hesitate to call your local Police Department.  In the City of Los Alamitos, please call our 24-Hour Dispatch line at (562) 594-7232 or if it is an Emergency, please call 9-1-1.

We would like to share some personal safety tips for your consideration:

• Trust your gut – If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, get out.
• When out at night, avoid poorly lit or deserted areas.  Try to travel in groups of friends or walk with your pet dog.
• Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day.
• Don’t exhibit cash or any other inviting targets such as cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.
• If you must walk or jog with headphones, try not to cover both ears.  Be aware of your surroundings so that you can hear vehicles or pedestrians approaching you.
• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.
• Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car, or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car.
• If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up your life.
• If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

Juveniles Targeted in 3 Separate Los Alamitos Robberies

Press Release dated January 19, 2012

During the early afternoon hours of Thursday, January 19, three strong-arm robberies occurred within a span of approximately 20 minutes. 

Read entire Press Release here.

Telephone Scam Alert

The Los Alamitos Police Department wants to make you aware of an ongoing scam that is primarily targeting senior citizens.

The scam involves the suspect calling the victim on the telephone and falsely identifying themselves as a relative of the victim, usually a son or grandson. The caller is able to trick the victim because he addresses the victim by name, usually obtaining the name through some legal source. The caller may also address the victim by relation, as in “grandpa” or “grandma.”

The suspect caller tells the victim that they have been arrested and need the victim to send money to help them get out of jail. The suspect usually instructs the victim to send the money via wire transfer, Western Union, or cashiers check. The suspect further tells the victim to not tell anyone else about this problem because he is too embarrassed to let anyone else know.

The Los Alamitos Police Department strongly urges that if you receive a similar phone call, you should take steps to verify the circumstances. You can accomplish this by either calling the number you have on record for that relative, calling the police agency where the relative claims to have been arrested, or even calling the Los Alamitos Police Department to assist you in verifying the information. We are aware of at least one victim in our City and the police have been contacted by others who have received these telephone calls. Conduct an Internet search for “Grandma I’m in Jail” and you will see this scam has occurred in many jurisdictions.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Los Alamitos Police Department for assistance. It is important to avoid being victimized in the first place and to prevent the transfer of money. Often the source of these scams is overseas, out of the reach of United States law enforcement and accountability.

Submitted by J. Goldmark, West Cities Police Communications (West-Comm)

Incident Previously Reported as an Attempted Child Abduction is Downgraded

Press Release Dated April 11, 2011 Subsequent to an initial report of an attempted child abduction occurring on March 25, police detectives conducted detailed interviews with the alleged victim, re-canvassed the area where the incident allegedly took place, and have worked with a composite sketch artist to help identify the adult male subject. Through those efforts, detectives acknowledge there was some type of physical contact between the reporting party and adult male subject; however, the encounter, as reported, does not meet the legal criteria or contain the criminal elements necessary for the case to be categorized as an attempted kidnapping. The Department continues to explore other explanations for the incident and witnesses, if any, are still encouraged to come forward. The subject portrayed in the composite sketch (attached) remains unidentified and has been classified as a person of interest. Investigators remain hopeful they will be able to determine his identity. Full Press Release Sketch

Attempt Child Abduction

Press Release Dated March 25, 2011

During the evening of March 25 at about 5 PM, an 11-year old male juvenile was accosted while riding his bicycle in the 4000 block of Green Avenue. The victim, who was on his way home, was traveling west on the south sidewalk as the suspect, who was on foot and walking in the opposite direction, made an attempt to take him off the bike. More...

Full Press Release

Woman Loses $1,200 in Cash for Gold Scam

Press Release dated January 11, 2011

While shopping with her toddler at Vons, 11322 Los Alamitos Blvd., a female Hispanic was approached by a male Hispanic suspect claiming to be lost and needing to sell 3 gold bars, allegedly valued at $12,000 each, to help pay for his son’s hospital medical care. More...

Press Release

Request for the Public's Assistance

The Los Alamitos Police Department needs the public's assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for Attempted Carjacking and Attempted Murder.

On Sunday, November 28, 2010, at approximately 8:40 PM, the suspect depicted in the attached flyer approached the 66 year old female driver as she was stopped at a stop sign in her 2008 Volvo S80 sedan. The suspect attempted to open the passenger side door to the vehicle and when he discovered it was locked he pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded entry into the vehicle. For further details, see our Suspect Flyer.

Suspect Flyer

Original News Bulletin

Package Thieves in Orange County

The Newport Beach Police Department is warning of package thefts during the Holiday Season.

The Los Alamitos Police Department would like to take the opportunity to remind residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Every year across the nation, package thefts from the front doors of residences are reported. There are a variety of means available to track packages being delivered by the United States Postal Service, United Parcel Service, and Federal Express which can help lessen the opportunities for thieves to prey upon others. However, some of the best protection is neighbors looking out for neighbors. If you see something unusual or suspicious, do not hesitate to call the Police Department. In the City of Los Alamitos, call (562) 594-7232 or if there is an Emergency, call 9-1-1.

Jewelry Store Robberies Grow More Widespread

Jewelry store robberies grow more widespread - latimes.com

The Los Angeles Times article cited above discusses the growing number of jewelry store robberies occuring in small and medium sized cities in the suburban areas surrounding Los Angeles.

Always be aware of your surroundings and if you observe suspicious activity, call the Police Department. If you are in the City of Los Alamitos dial our 24-hour service telephone number, (562) 594-7232. If it is an emergency dial, 9-1-1.

Be Safe. Be Prepared.

66-year old Los Alamitos Resident Survives Failed Carjacking

Press Release dated November 29, 2010

During the evening of November 28, a 66-year-old Los Alamitos resident was accosted by two male subjects while she was stopped in her vehicle at the intersection of Bloomfield Street and San Bonito.

Read entire Press Release.

Crime Warning from Garden Grove

Residents from nearby Garden Grove have reported being targeted in a scam recently. There are variations to this activity, but it typically involves distracting a resident with the criminal posing as a salesperson, utility worker, or some other convincing excuse. A second criminal then enters the residence while the resident is distracted and grabs any valuables that are found. The City of Los Alamitos has not experienced this recently, but it has occurred in the past. Be aware and don’t hesitate to verify the identity of utility workers or turn away sales persons.


Courtesy ABC 7 – Eyewitness News

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities are renewing a warning about a scam targeting elderly residents in Garden Grove. Several people claiming to work for the Water Department are getting into residents' homes and stealing cash and jewelry.

Read entire story here.


The Garden Grove Police Department composite sketch can be viewed here.


The City of Los Alamitos is served by the Golden State Water Company (link). If you have questions about their employees’ activities or their requests, either contact Golden State Water at the phone numbers on their website or contact the Los Alamitos Police Department at (562) 594-7232.

Afternooon Rash of Burglaries

Press Release dated August 19, 2010

During the afternoon of August 19, 2010, a rash of three burglaries occurred to homes in the Highlands neighbor of Los Alamitos.

Read entire press release here.