Police blotter 10.27.12

Smash and grab burglars focus on property in cars

Claremont burglars have turned their attention from homes to cars, in a bout of “smash and grab” burglaries sweeping the city. More than 15 car burglaries were reported between Friday, October 18 and Tuesday, October 23. In all cases a burglar smashed a car window to reach inside and steal property found within. Streets where burglaries took place include Amherst, Chattanooga, Hobart Drive, Lancaster Court, Lynoak, Mansfield, Pomello, San Jose, Sebastopol and Stanislaus Circle. Thousands of dollars in stolen loot included cash, laptops, wallets, tools, a digital projector, a printer and a fanny pack.

Wednesday, October 17

A strange package sent to Prudential Wheeler/Steffen Real Estate, Inc., at 500 W. Foothill Blvd., contained an equally strange surprise. Not recognizing the name printed on the package, the business held onto the parcel for a couple months in hopes that someone would come and claim it, according to Lieutenant Shelly Vander Veen. When nobody ever did, the package was opened. It contained a vacuum-sealed bag of marijuana and a package of jelly fruit snacks. The contents were turned over to the police.

Thursday, October 18

A Claremont resident in the 400 block of Forsyth Place returned home from vacation Thursday to find the house ransacked. A burglar had forced entry through the master bedroom window and taken miscellaneous jewelry items. The total loss was unknown as of press time.

Friday, October 19

A thief with a thing for hair products broke into a car in the 700 block of Pomello Drive and took more than $3000 worth of hair products and styling tools. There are no suspects at this time.

Saturday, October 20

A black cat owned by a resident in the 4000 block of Tenango Drive was targeted in an act of apparent animal cruelty. Jack the cat was found shot in the hind leg by what police say was a pellet gun. Though Jack is now recuperating, there are no leads in the case.

Monday, October 22

The belief that the third time’s the charm did not exactly ring true for a woman scamming businesses in a complex off Foothill and Claremont Boulevards Monday afternoon. The female entered Blue Fin Sushi & Teriyaki and purchased a drink with a $20. After purchasing the beverage, she decided she no longer wanted the drink and requested her money back. The cashier gave her the $20 back, which she placed in her bra, and when the cashier wasn’t looking she took out a $1 bill and claimed she was given the wrong change, according to Lt. Vander Veen. The cashier replaced the dollar bill with another $20.

The woman tried the same scam at Fruizen Desserts next door and, after being successful a second time, decided to try her luck once more at the AM/PM across the way. The scam didn’t work and the woman fled the convenience store on foot before she could be caught. She is described as black with long black wavy hair, 30-40 years old, about 5 feet, weighing 220 pounds and wearing a rainbow-colored top. Police are investigating AM/PM’s surveillance footage.

****

Damon Robinson, 24, found himself behind bars Tuesday night all because of $2 stolen out of a tip jar at a Jamba Juice. Police caught up with the Los Angeles resident down the street from the Indian Hill juice shop and he admitted to stealing the money, according to Lt. Vander Veen. Though Jamba Juice did not wish to prosecute, Mr. Robinson had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court for a vehicle code violation and was arrested.

****

A nap on the sidewalk off Eighth Street and Indian Hill was short-lived for a 17-year-old male found by Claremont police. The teenager was found to be under the influence of alcohol, unable to sit up on his own, and arrested. He was cited and released to his parents. It wasn’t the only unusual find for the police that evening. Not far away, another man was found standing in the intersection of Foothill and Mills. Brandon Duran, 28, of Pasadena, was also arrested for public intoxication.

Tuesday, October 23

A vehicle vs. bicycle accident near Foothill Boulevard and Towne Avenue revealed an unusual case of drunk driving. The bike and the car collided in the Stater Bros. parking lot—the car was turning right onto Foothill as the bicyclist approached the car going east. The bicyclist, who was sent to the hospital with complaints of pain, was found to be the one under the influence of alcohol.

—Beth Hartnett

news@claremont-courier.com