Capt. Sandra Tong: Police Beat

On Nov. 9, I assumed command at the Richmond Station. I have been a police officer for 20 years - however, my last 12 years have been primarily in the inspectors and administration bureaus.
I am excited about returning to a district station. I am very fortunate to lead the dedicated members of the Richmond Station, who have served you diligently. I look forward to serving this community and working in cooperation with each of you to make our neighborhood safe.

Merchants: Beware
The holiday period is a time when merchants and shoppers are both looking forward to lots of purchases.
Generally, it is hoped that a lot of cash and credit card receipts will change hands. Unfortunately, shoppers and merchants are not the only people who notice this surge in shopping activity.
For merchants, this time also brings an increased loss of merchandise due to shoplifting. As stated last month, our Safe Shopper Program started right after Thanksgiving. You will see an increase in foot patrols along commercial corridors throughout the Richmond District.
If you are a merchant, I realize that you have to deposit your receipts and most of you generally handle this responsibility with caution. I just wanted to point out that many of us are creatures of habit. If you generally leave your stores at a certain time each day carrying a certain bag and walk to your local bank branch, your routine may be noticed by an opportunist who is only too willing to relieve you of your hard-sought profits wrapped in that bag. If you must conduct your business at a certain time, then vary your route, such as by leaving by the back door rather than the front.
Thieves like things to run like clockwork and depend upon you being a creature of habit. If you are using cash, try to use the ATM during daylight hours and be aware of your surroundings. Is there someone who is just hanging around the ATM? Refrain from walking away from the ATM while counting your cash so you can see anyone approaching who might be unfriendly.
If you prefer to use credit cards for your purchases, never let the card out of your sight. The electronic age has developed new mini-scanners that take all the relevant information from your card, creating a new wave of credit card fraud and identity theft.

Officers, Bank Team Up to Thwart Fraud
Sergeant Tom Lee and officers Lori Brophy, Steve Matthias Dave Nakasu were sent to a bank in the District regarding a suspect.
The suspect tried to deposit a check the day before, then wanted to transfer money from an ATM machine to another account. The bank employee told the suspect that the check had not yet cleared and that the funds were not available.
When the employee ran the suspect's credit card through a transaction terminal, it asked for the last four digits of the account, which the suspect could not provide. As well, a check of the suspect's driver's license revealed that the card had not been legally issued and that the suspect sometimes used an alias.
When officers arrived, they discovered that the license was a forgery and they arrested the suspect. Further investigation revealed the suspect had 11 additional aliases, other fraudulent credit cards and receipts with two different names.
Sgt. Lee discovered that the credit card had been tampered with and the signature on the card did not match a signature card on file at the bank. The suspect was booked at county jail on burglary, attempted grand theft, possession of a forged driver's license and for presenting false identification to a peace officer.

Toys for Tots Needed
This year Richmond Station will once again be accepting Christmas toys and gifts for those children in need in the Richmond District. The toys will be distributed to children at the Westside Courts and other centers. If the gift is wrapped, please indicate whether it is for a boy or girl and what approximate age. Thank you for thinking of those in need.
Our next Community/Police Forum meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m., in the Community Room at the Richmond Station. This is our Christmas potluck dinner, so please come by and say hello.