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Saturday, September 22, 2012

Crime blotter: thefts from unlocked vehicles, and avoiding credit card fraud

Lock your vehicle doors seems to be this week’s unfortunate lesson.  Crime blotter provided by Lt. Michael D. White of the Altadena Sheriff Station.

CrimeSaturday, September 8
Between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM (Sunday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 100 block of W. Mariposa Street. Loss: vehicle registration. 

Thursday, September 13
Between 9:00 PM and 7:30 Am (Friday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1900 block of Grand Oaks Drive. Loss: brown purse, black Ray Ban sunglasses, personal documents. 

Saturday, September 15t
Between 6:00 AM and 11:17 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the area of Figueroa Drive and Olive Avenue. 
Between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM – A grand theft occurred in the 800 block of E. Mariposa Street. Loss: gold Kona 28-speed mountain bike. 
Between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Woodbury Road. Suspect(s) entered the location via the unsecured door. Loss: black/stainless steel GE electric stove, black PS3 controllers/cables, black phone charger, black T-Mobile cell phone. 
Between 9:00 PM and 12:00 PM (Sunday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 900 block of Boston Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the bedroom window. Loss: unknown. 

Tips for avoiding credit card fraud after the jump.

Tips for Avoiding Credit Card Fraud
  • Don’t give out your credit card number online unless the site is secure and reputable. Sometimes a tiny icon of a padlock appears to symbolize a higher level of security to transmit data. This icon is not a guarantee of a secure site, but provides some assurance.
  • Don’t trust a site just because it claims to be secure.
  • Before using the site, check out the security/encryption software it uses.
  • Make sure you are purchasing merchandise from a reputable source.
  • Do your homework on the individual or company to ensure that they are legitimate.
  • Obtain a physical address rather than simply a post office box and a telephone number, and call the seller to see if the telephone number is correct and working.
  • Send an e-mail to the seller to make sure the e-mail address is active, and be wary of those that utilize free e-mail services where a credit card wasn’t required to open the account.
  • Consider not purchasing from sellers who won’t provide you with this type of information.
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau from the seller’s area.
  • Check out other websites regarding this person/company.
  • Don’t judge a person or company by their website. Flashy websites can be set up quickly.
  • Be cautious when responding to special investment offers, especially through unsolicited e-mail.
  • Be cautious when dealing with individuals/companies from outside your own country.
  • If possible, purchase items online using your credit card, because you can often dispute the charges if something goes wrong.
  • Make sure the transaction is secure when you electronically send your credit card number.
  • Keep a list of all your credit cards and account information along with the card issuer’s contact information. If anything looks suspicious or you lose your credit card(s), contact the card issuer immediately.

Report suspicious or criminal activity to the Altadena Sheriff’s Station (626) 798-1131.

 

Posted on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 06:17 AM |

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