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.

Press Release: Robbery

Armed Robbery at Bank of America
11262 Los Alamitos Boulevard

On Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at about 2:53 P.M., an armed robbery occurred at the Bank of America located at 11262 Los Alamitos Boulevard. The suspect entered the bank armed with a black semi-automatic handgun and demanded money from the employees inside.

The suspect was described as a male, possibly white or Hispanic, approximately 5’7” to 5’9”, 170 to 200 pounds, wearing a red and/or black motorcycle helmet, a green military-style camouflage jacket, blue motorcycle riding pants and boots. The suspect fled the scene on a red and/or black racing-style motorcycle with a black backpack and an undisclosed amount of money.

No injuries were reported by the employees or customers inside the bank. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also responded to the scene of the robbery. Witnesses reported the suspect fled east through the residential area south of Katella Avenue and east of Los Alamitos Boulevard. The suspect was last seen at a high rate of speed escaping into a residential area south of Katella Avenue and east of Lexington Drive.

Officers from the Los Alamitos Police Department, the Seal Beach Police Department, the Cypress Police Department, and a helicopter from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department searched the area but did not locate the suspect or the motorcycle.

The circumstances in this case are under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Los Alamitos Police Department.

Detective Sergeant Sharon Kerbow; (562) 431-2255 ext. 405
Police Dispatch/24-Hour Police Service; (562) 594-7232

Homicide; January 19, 2008

Suspect wanted for questioning.

Homicide; January 19, 2008

Second Press Release dated January 20, 2008

Information

Homicide; January 19, 2008

Press Release dated January 20, 2008

Information

Press Release: Robbery

Armed Robbery in the Parking Lot located at 11262 Los Alamitos Boulevard

On Tuesday, December 16, 2008, at approximately 9:45 A.M., an armed robbery occurred in the Bank of America parking lot, 11262 Los Alamitos Boulevard. Two (2) female victims were transporting an unknown amount of cash to be deposited at the bank. Both victims are employees of a fast food restaurant in a neighboring city.

Two Male African-American suspects approached the victims in the parking lot as they parked their car. As the victim driver attempted to exit the vehicle, Suspect #1 displayed a semi-automatic handgun in his waistband, forced her back into the vehicle, and took the bank deposit bag containing the cash from her person. The second suspect physically brandished a semi-automatic handgun at the passenger, who had already exited the car.

Both suspects fled to the nearby Wendy’s restaurant parking lot, located in the same shopping center, where a third, unidentified, female suspect waited in a small, red 4-door sedan, similar to a Dodge Neon or Ford Contour. The suspect vehicle fled the area northbound Los Alamitos Boulevard. Neither victim was injured during the incident.

Responding officers from the Los Alamitos Police and Seal Beach Police Departments arrived at the scene in less than one minute after receiving the 9-1-1 emergency call. The suspects and their vehicle were not found.

Suspect 1: Male, African-American, 20’s, medium build, short black hair, brown eyes, a fair/smooth complexion, wearing a black “hoodie” sweatshirt, white undershirt, dark blue jeans, black gloves, black semi-automatic handgun

Suspect 2: Male, African-American, early 20’s, medium build, brown eyes, light mustache, wearing a black jacket, black “beanie”, black pants, black gloves, black semi-automatic handgun

Suspect 3: (Driver) Possibly a female, no further information.

The circumstances in this case are under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Los Alamitos Police Department.

Captain Bruce McAlpine (562) 431-2255 ext. 420

Red Ribbon Week 2008

The Los Alamitos Police Department along with millions of citizens across the United States will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 21 to 27, 2008. This is your opportunity to join us in declaring we are Drug Free and Proud.

http://www.losalamitospolice.org/special/redribbon.htm

Electricity/Power Alert

SCE Urges Conservation as High Temperatures Prompt State Agency to Call ‘Flex Alert’
With triple digit temperatures forecast through many parts of Southern California during the next few days, Southern California Edison urges customers to conserve power. A "Flex Alert" has been declared by the California Independent System Operator for Tuesday through Thursday.

Californians should reduce their energy use during the late afternoon when air conditioners drive consumption to the highest point of the day.

Conservation Tips:

• Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees
• Use electric fans instead of air conditioners when practical
• Turn off unused appliances
• Shut off lights when leaving a room
• Close your drapes and blinds to keep direct sunlight during hot
periods
• Operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances
during the early morning and evening hours
• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work
processors to morning or evening hours

For more information: http://www.sce.com

Catalytic Converter Thefts

As precious metals prices soar, catalytic converters are now valuable targets for thieves who are targeting an obscure component of automotive exhaust systems in thefts that can be accomplished in less than a minute. The component is the catalytic converter, which has been a mandatory part of exhaust systems since 1975. Police across the country say they have seen a dramatic rise in thefts of the components in recent months.

Catalytic converters have only small traces of the metals - platinum, palladium and rhodium - but there's enough in them for a thief to resell stolen units for up to $200 a piece. Rhodium is among the most expensive metals on Earth, commanding as much as $6,000 an ounce on the open market.

Easy to find means easy to steal. The converters are inviting targets because they're easy to grab. Mounted on the exterior undercarriage of vehicles, they can be removed in about a minute or less, with any standard metal cutting tool. An enterprising thief in a crowded parking lot or garage can make off with enough converters to clear $2,000 or $3,000 in half an hour.

The Toyota 4-Runner is the most common target of thieves, according to Los Angeles Police Department’s Burglary Unit, which issued a public warning about what it called a "new disturbing trend." The 4-Runner sits high off the ground, and its converter is attached with four bolts that are easily sawed or cut off, making it simple for thieves to duck underneath the vehicle, steal the converter. The Kia Sportage, with a similar profile, is also popular. They're the easiest to get under and the easiest to remove. But any vehicle made after 1975 is a potential target. This is certainly something that could happen in your driveway.

Since January of this year, the Los Alamitos Police Department has had 24 reported thefts of catalytic converters and the majority of these have been Toyotas. Every neighborhood in the City has been victimized, but locations where vehicles are routinely parked on the street are the most vulnerable.

Police Chief takes Oath of Allegiance

On June 19, 2008, Todd Mattern swore his oath of allegiance as he began his tenure as the 8th Police Chief of the City of Los Alamitos. Chief Mattern was surrounded by nearly 200 family, friends, City officials, fellow law enforcement professionals, members of the community, and the proud members of his Police Department.

After serving as Interim Chief since the retirement of the prior Chief in March 2007, the former Police Captain will take the highest rank in the Department in which he has served for almost 22 years. Chief Mattern becomes the first Police Chief in Los Alamitos to be promoted from within the ranks of the Department.

Having spent his entire life in West Orange County, Chief Mattern relates well to the community's values. He grew up in Cypress where he served as a Police Explorer and Reserve Officer. He currently resides only a few miles from the Los Alamitos Police Department and is frequently seen at community events. He has been married for 22 years and has two grown children.

Chief Mattern values integrity and professionalism. Although he holds his staff to a high standard, he is mild mannered and known for being fair. Mattern exudes pride when he speaks of the members of the Los Alamitos Police Department. He believes in them and is proud of their commitment to the community and the law enforcement profession.

In addition to earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Long Beach, Mattern is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. Prior to promoting, he was an adjunct faculty member at the Criminal Justice Training Center at Golden West College. As a Training Advisor, he enjoyed mentoring new recruits and helping to shape their careers.