By Charles M. Kelly
On Monday, Oct. 19, a man spent just 15 minutes in the bank and in that small space of time managed to arouse someone’s suspicion.
He didn’t commit a crime. However, he asked how many numbers (presumably meaning digits) were in the bank’s account numbers. Then he got a withdrawal slip from a teller before leaving the bank.
His behavior was suspicious enough to prompt someone to phone the Seal Beach Police Department at 10:56 a.m. to report the incident. The Crime Log did not identify the bank by name or address. However, the bank was apparently located on Seal Beach Boulevard.
The suspect was described as a white man in his 50s with short, dark hair. He wore glasses, had a thin build, stood 5 feet 6 inches tall and wore a mustache. He was last seen wearing a pin-stripped shirt that didn’t fit.
What was your favorite Crime Log entry in 2009?
As the end of the year approaches, the Sun Newspaper has begun compiling the more interesting (and preferably silly) crime stories of 2009. If you would like to offer a suggestion, e-mail Assistant Editor Charles M. Kelly at editor2@sunnews.org.
Crime Log Assembled by Charles M. Kelly
The crimes listed in the Sun Newspapers were reported to Seal Beach Police Department, Los Alamitos Police Department and Orange County Sheriff Department between Oct. 19 and Oct. 31, 2009. Only street names are used; times given are reported times, not incident times.
Crime Log entries are based on preliminary information. Space limitations make it impossible to publish every incident. Until proven guilty in a court of law, all suspects are considered innocent.
IN SEAL BEACH
Monday, October 19
Suspicious Circumstances—10:56 a.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—See lead story.
Suspicious Occupied Vehicle—7:55 p.m.—5th Street and Marina Drive—The caller said an individual was lying in the front seat of a vehicle. The caller thought this was suspicious. Police unit 123 found an unoccupied vehicle.
Tuesday, October 20
Suspicious Person—6:06 p.m.—7th Street—The caller thought a man had been casing the location in preparation to commit a crime. Police unit 123 contacted a man who fit the description of the suspect. It turned out the man was waiting for a resident to help that person move.
Suspicious Property—8:43 p.m.—Ocean Avenue—Police unit 127, while on service, observed a black plastic case near a construction vehicle. Police unit 127 contacted an employee who said the case belonged here. Police unit 127 determined no further police service was necessary.
Wednesday, October 21
Patrol Check Requested—9:29 a.m.—Aster Street and Old Ranch Road—The caller said several vehicles ignored the “street closed” sign for construction on Aster Street.
The caller wanted vehicles cited. Police unit 111 contacted the construction crew and they had not observed any vehicles.
Illegal Parking—12:57 p.m.—Bolsa Avenue—The caller said people without the required placards were parking in handicapped spaces.
Petty Theft—2:36 p.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—The caller, a Kohl’s employee, said a suspect was actively concealing things in the waistband of his pants. Store security confronted him outside the store and took him to the store’s loss prevention office. Police arrested him for petty theft.
Thursday, October 22
Burglary Report—9:57 a.m.—Welcome Lane—A pest exterminator went to the address to fumigate for termites.
The exterminator apparently found what looked like a burglarized and ransacked residence. Report taken.
Stolen Tree Limb—10:31 a.m.—Jasmin Circle—According to the caller, someone came onto the property about 10 minutes early, broke off and stole a branch from the caller’s plumeria tree. The caller was very upset. Report taken.
Scavengers—4:51 p.m.—Ocean Avenue—The caller said a woman and two small children were digging through the caller’s trash in the alley.
Friday, October 23
Vehicle Burglary—8:14 a.m.—Clipper Way—Loss: unknown. Suspect: unknown. Point of entry: a broken window. The crime apparently occurred between 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22 and 8 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23.
Saturday, October 24
Disturbance—1:41 a.m.—Marina Drive—The caller said someone was out on the jetty, drinking and breaking bottles on the rocks. Police unit 123 contacted six people in the beach parking lot on 1st Street. The police warned them about their behavior. They left the area.
Blocking Garage—10:55 a.m.—7th Street—The caller needed to leave. However, his garage was blocked by a vehicle with the words “Silver Track Parking Enforcement” written on the side.
Petty Theft Report—1:13 p.m.—Pacific Coast Highway—Loss: two cartons of cigarettes. The caller had suspects on surveillance video.
Assist Other Agency—5:47 a.m.—Seal Beach Boulevard—Naval Weapons Station Security said a possible drunk driver was attempting to enter the base. Police unit 113 responded. The driver had an outstanding no-bail warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody.
Sunday, October 25
Felony Hit and Run—9:36 p.m.—Bolsa Chica Road and Westminster Avenue—The victim was a male bicyclist. A suspect was arrested.
IN LEISURE WORLD
Monday, October 19
Counseled—12:09 p.m.—St. Andrews Drive—A caregiver working in Leisure World drove a recreational vehicle. Leisure World personnel refused to allow the caregiver to drive the RV onto Leisure World property to visit a resident living on St. Andrews Drive. The caregiver went to the headquarters of the Seal Beach Police Department to report the problem. The caregiver was counseled.
