Two suspects arrested in Target store for identity theft
On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at approximately 4:30 pm a Simi Valley Police Officer was on Patrol in the business area of Tierra Rejada Rd. and Madera Rd. The officer observed a vehicle without a handicap placard, parked in the handicap space to the front of the Target store. The officer saw one of the occupants walk into the store and the officer approached the vehicle to further investigate the possible parking violation.
Upon investigation, the officer observed possible stolen mail along with instrumentalities indicative of committing fraud. The officers contacted the Target store loss prevention officer and discovered the occupant of the vehicle and another female just attempted to purchase merchandise with a stolen credit card. During the investigation, one of the suspects exited the business and returned to the vehicle. The officers attempted to contact the suspect and he fled back into the store. The officers pursued the suspect and he was shortly apprehended without incident. The female suspect was later contacted in the store and both arrested.
The suspects were identified as Mark Urias 30 years old from Lancaster and Cinthia Recendez 24 years old from Lancaster. Urias was arrested for Identity Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft, Resisting Arrest, and a felony warrant for committing fraud. Recendez was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft. Both suspects were transported and booked at Ventura County Mail Jail.
The Simi Valley Police Department would like to remind the community to avoid becoming a victim of Identity Theft:
• Shred bank and credit card statements
• Opt out of pre-approved credit cards and junk mail
• Don’t keep your social security card in your wallet/purse
• Use complex passwords and update them often
• Check your credit report often
• Beware of phishing scams
• Consider purchasing identity theft protection
• Be cautious while shopping online
• Don’t give out personal information over the phone
Booking photos available at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
