Police blotter 4.26.13
Vons shopping center on high alert after another break-in
The Claremont Heights Postal Center, 2058 N. Mills Ave., is the latest addition to the list of burglarized businesses within the Vons Shopping Center. On Friday, April 19 at 6:30 a.m., police received yet another report of a smashed front door found at the shopping center. An unknown object had been used to break the glass front door, where the suspect entered and then exited with money in hand. There is no suspect information at this time.
Other Vons shopping center businesses hit recently include Euro Café, Rincon Azteca restaurant and Dr. Robert Burwell’s dental practice. A string of burglaries citywide have occurred in recent weeks with similar results—smashed front windows or doors with burglars gaining entry to take cash.
At a crime meeting sponsored by the Claremont Chamber last week, City Manager Tony Ramos shared that shop owners in the center have complained that the dim lighting in the complex may be creating opportunity for potential burglars. Currently, the lights turn off automatically during the night.
The Claremont Crime Prevention Coalition is hosting a meeting with business owners and managers of the Vons complex at Euro Café on Monday, April 29 at 9 a.m. to discuss an action plan to address these problems.
“It’s the first step,” said Edgar Reece, president of the coalition.
Any information on these or other commercial crimes in Claremont should be reported to the police department at 399-5411.
Thursday, April 18
A game of golf ended less than amicably for a couple who set out to enjoy an afternoon at the Claremont Golf Course, 1550 N. Indian Hill Blvd. The pair began to argue over their game in the parking lot when their bickering quickly escalated. The man pushed the woman to the ground and she, in turn, head-butted him, according to Detective James Hughes. Both were arrested for domestic abuse.
Friday, April 19
It was a case of poor timing for a Claremont teen arrested near the Vons shopping center late Friday afternoon. Claremont Police Chief Paul Cooper happened to be at the center when he witnessed what he believed to be a drug transaction. Nineteen-year-old Patrick Cvengros was stopped by police just east of the center. Dodger, the police dog, was deployed and found a jar of marijuana, 76 plastic bags and a scale in Mr. Cvengros’ backpack, according to Det. Hughes. He was arrested for possession of drugs for sales.
Saturday, April 20
A relaxing day at the pool turned out to be anything but for residents who were sunbathing at a complex in the 600 block of Sycamore Avenue. Reports say 34-year-old Jeffrey Korning was causing a disturbance and trying to climb the pool fence into the patio area. Police determined that Mr. Korning was drunk and unable to care for himself, so he was held at the police department jail until sober.
Sunday, April 21
A 28-year-old Covina resident went ahead and helped himself to items at the Chevron/McDonald’s convenience store on Sunday. Only thing is, instead of paying for his purchases he locked himself in the women’s bathroom. Police eventually removed him from the restroom. He was taken for a mental evaluation after police determined that he was not under the influence of a controlled substance.
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A college student’s bike, stolen from Bernard Hall, 1056 N. Mills Ave., on Friday afternoon shouldn’t be too hard to spot. The stolen 5-speed road bike is described as having a frame wrapped in snake-patterned brown-and-gold duct tape, handlebars wrapped in green tape, foot pedals with orange spots and a lion imprint on the bike’s black seat.
Monday, April 22
Police are investigating a break-in that occurred early Monday morning at the Chevron gas station at 267 S. Indian Hill Blvd. at Arrow Highway.
Surveillance revealed a man wearing a beanie prying open the front doors of the business around 3:40 a.m. He made off with cash from the register and cigarettes. The man was wearing a dark jacket, jeans and black boots. His race is unknown. Investigation continues. Anyone with information on this crime should call the Claremont Police Department at 311-5411.
Tuesday, April 23
Employees of Chevron at 267 S. Indian Hill Blvd. are having a bad week. For the second time in 3 days, the south Claremont gas station was broken into. A crook gained entrance by once again prying open the front doors. Though it appears the man attempted to open the register, no cash was taken. The man opted for ice cream instead, grabbing a frozen treat and taking off, according to Det. Hughes.
The suspect is described as wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt with a white emblem on the front, black gloves, dark pants and dark shoes. The suspected getaway vehicle appears to be a dark colored sedan. Information should be reported to the Claremont Police Department at 399-5411.
—Beth Hartnett
news@claremont-courier.com
