Full Notification

In the past few days, the Moraga Police Department has been investigating a number of incidents about which we want people to be aware:

Credit Card Fraud

We have taken a number of reports from people whose credit card numbers have been skimmed and are being used in Southern California. Skimming occurs when an illegal device is placed on or inside a credit card terminal and collects information from the magnetic strip on the card. Fraudulent credit cards are then created with your information. Outside gas pumps are easy targets as they are unattended and easily accessible. Officers have been working with gas stations in town and physically inspecting pumps for any illicit devices.

All of the merchants have been very cooperative and many have alarms and devices on the gas pumps to prevent tampering. We are actively investigating the cases and have found that in some cases, over a month passed between the time that cards were used by the victim and then fraudulently used in Southern California. Officers are working with other agencies and following up on leads.

Here are some tips to prevent your credit card from being skimmed:
• Go inside the business to pay or use cash.
• Scan the area for hidden cameras or someone watching to get your pin.
• Compare the card reader to the rest of the machine – it should fit properly, look similar and graphics should align and match.
• Assess for signs of tampering – look for security tape and ensure it isn’t disturbed.
• Nudge the card reader. Illicit devices are meant to be removed and may be loose.
• Chip cards are harder to skim.
• Monitor your accounts regularly.
• Immediately report fraud to your credit card company/bank and to the police.

Residential Burglary

On Tuesday 4/3, a residence near Glenside Drive in Lafayette was burglarized. The homeowner returned and found a door kicked in and a suspicious vehicle in front. They immediately called the Police, provided good information about their home and the suspicious vehicle and stayed back. They observed a second suspect run out of the home and get into the vehicle, which then sped away.

Officers waited on St. Mary’s Road and saw the vehicle drive into Moraga. They attempted to stop the car, but the driver tried to evade the officers. The officers pursued the vehicle on to Pinehurst Road, where it crashed near the Canyon Post Office. Both subjects were arrested with the assistance of officers from both the Lafayette and Orinda Police. They were both charged with a number of offenses and found to be on parole and probation for charges including robbery, stolen property and illegal possession of a firearm.

Thank you to the homeowner for doing the right thing. They secured their home before leaving and when they arrived to find the burglary, they called the Police, provided excellent information and stayed back. We also recommend alarm systems and residential video surveillance systems to help safeguard your home. Also, Moraga Police will perform free security surveys of your residence to assist you in identifying potential issues.

Auto Burglary

On Wednesday 4/4, during the day, an vehicle was burglarized in the HomeGoods parking lot. A suspect broke a window, reached into the vehicle and removed property. He ran to a waiting vehicle and they drove out of the area towards Orinda. Fortunately, an attentive person witnessed the crime, called 9-1-1 and provided identifying information to the dispatcher. This information was broadcast and an Orinda Police officer spotted the car on Moraga Way.

The vehicle was stopped on Moraga Way near Northwood and the occupants were arrested. All of the stolen property was recovered. Both suspects were booked into the Contra Costa County Jail, but one has already been released on bail. As a reminder, most auto burglaries are easily prevented when parking by locking and securing doors and windows, hiding and securing your valuables before you park (or not having them in the car) and reporting suspicious persons.

Preventing and solving crime is a shared responsibility in our community. The Moraga Police Department appreciates all of you who take the time to call and report crimes and suspicious activity. The vehicles in both burglary incidents were recorded by community surveillance cameras. However, without witnesses and victims reporting incidents, we don’t always know which vehicle or person to search for on the recordings.

Thank you for your support. Please ensure that you have these important telephone numbers in your cell phone or written down at home:

Moraga Police – business and information: 925-888-7055
To report non-emergency incidents: 925-284-5010
Emergency – DIAL 9-1-1

Please check our webpage for more information: police.moraga.ca.us. Please feel free to telephone me or any other officer with questions or concerns.

Jon King
Chief of Police
925-888-7049