Media Release: South Pasadena Police Department
ATM Scams Continue
We continue to see ATM fraud targeting seniors, where the suspect will “shoulder surf” (watch) the victim entering their PIN and then switch their debit cards.
The above photo was taken from an ATM in South Pasadena earlier in the year. It shows how intensely the suspect is looking over the victim’s shoulder to view the victim entering their PIN.
Once the suspect learns the victim’s PIN, the suspect will distract the victim to gain their debit card.
Just as the elderly victim completes the transaction and grabs their debit card, the suspect will drop a money on the floor and say that the victim dropped the money. The suspect will pick up the money and get close to the victim and give the money to the victim. The suspect will talk to the victim, confusing them while quickly swapping debit cards.
The victim looks at the debit card believing it to be their own, when they actually have someone else’s card.
Always be aware of anyone standing around as you use an ATM. If you feel uncomfortable about using an ATM, don’t use it! Be cautious of anyone offering assistance and always use one hand to block your other hand as you enter your PIN.
Special Olympics Southern California | Special Olympics Torch Run
For over two decades, the South Pasadena Police Officers have supported the Special Olympics by participating in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Law enforcement agencies from across the nation run through their city carrying the “Flame of Hope” to bring awareness to their community. The torch is passed along to adjacent agencies until it reaches its final destination at Cal State Long Beach where the Special Olympics are held.
Residents can help support the event by making a donation to our Torch Run fundraising campaign online: CLICK HERE NOW
All proceeds go directly to the Special Olympics that helps enrich the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The Crime Prevention Unit offers these FREE services
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Engravers to mark your property
“Community Opportunity for Property Security (COPS) Program.” -
Home Inspection Surveys.
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Email alerts of crime bulletins and weekly crime summary.
If you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch Group or receive future copies of this newsletter, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit.
Residential Burglaries Continue
Residential burglaries continue to rise throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
The current trend on burglaries indicate that they are well organized, working in groups, and using technology to commit the burglaries.
They may be driving around casing homes and watching when a resident leaves, or place a small camera in bushes to monitor a resident’s activity.
These organized groups may also use Wi-Fi jammers before entering a residence to disrupt the signals from security cameras. Wi-Fi jammers do not affect security systems that are hard-wired, but burglars may turn-off the power to the house to disrupt any hard-wired systems. However, many hard-wired systems have a battery backup. If you are unsure if you have a battery backup, check with your security company.
Burglars will often work in groups with one staying in the getaway vehicle acting as a lookout, while the others will break into the house.
The burglars will go to the rear of the house or climb to a second floor patio and smash a glass sliding door to gain entry. They will also wear hooded jackets, gloves and facemasks to conceal their identity.
Always make your home appear occupied and keep doors, windows, and side gates locked. Do not ignore activations from video doorbells and place alarm signs where they can be seen day and night.
This newsletter is a publication by the South Pasadena Police Department, Crime Prevention Unit. Officer Richard Lee
South Pasadena Police Department, 1422 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 626-403-7270
Chief of Police – Brian Solinsky
