Recent Scams and Suspicious Activity in our Neighborhoods

Yesterday, two men in a white sedan parked in front of a house on Gretna Green at 2:00pm. One man proceeded to walk to the side gate and try to open it. It was locked so he walked away, without going to the front door. A neighbor spoke with him and he said he was looking for an address that did not exist and that he was from a chimney repair service. They subsequently left. More and more crimes are committed during the day when criminals think no one is home. Lock your gates and answer the Ring doorbell so they know you are home. But do not open your door.

Our neighbors in Westwood Hills are reporting fake food deliveries. Criminals leave bags of food at your door to see if you are home because empty houses make tempting targets. If you are a recipient of a scam like this or your neighbor (who you know is out of town), throw the food away.

Senior Lead Officer Matt Kirk reports another scam where a caller posed as an LAPD officer and stated to the victim that due to bank fraud, and to prevent their account from being jeopardized, the victim must move the money in his bank account to a Bitcoin account. This victim did so and lost his money. As a reminder, NO LAPD officer will EVER ask for money to be given over the phone.

If you see suspicious activity or know of someone who has been scammed, please notify the police.