Robbery scam in Spanish speaking community
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A Newbury Park woman was the victim of a robbery once the suspects talked their way into her home. The female Hispanic victim answered a knock at her front door and was greeted by an older Hispanic couple. The man asked in Spanish if they could have some water, while both suspects acted like they were in need of water. The victim felt sorry for the couple and said in Spanish she would get them some water. The victim left the door open and walked to her kitchen to get some water. When the victim turned around, both the suspects were already in her home. The victim gave some water to the female suspect as the male suspect walked into the victim’s bedroom. The victim followed after the male suspect and asked what he was doing. The male suspect turned and approached the victim in an intimidating manner. The male suspect got angry and yelled at the victim to “be quiet.” The victim became very afraid of the suspects and feared for her safety because she was home alone. Both suspects went through the residence looking for items to take.

The suspects took items of gold jewelry, a flat screen television, an Apple iPod touch, a black PSP Play Station, victim’s cell phone, U.S. Currency, U.S. Immigration card, and Social Security Card. The suspects loaded the items into an older light gray van (possibly a Chrysler), and locked the victim out of her home before driving away.

(S-1) is described as a Hispanic male in his early to mid sixties, 5’-4” to 5’-7” in height, 155 to 165 pounds, well dressed, and spoke only Spanish in a loud intimidating voice. (S-2) is described as an Hispanic female in her early to mid sixties, 5’-6” to 5’-8” in height, 200 to 230 pounds, long straight black hair worn in a pony tail that reached her lower back, wearing a black sweater over a long black dress with black flat shoes, brown purse, and only spoke Spanish. Neither suspect had any unique traits, scars, marks, or tattoos. Based on the victim only speaking Spanish and living in a predominantly Spanish neighborhood, I believe the suspects will continue to prey upon other Hispanic victims.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Location: 600 Block of Avenida Del Platino, Newbury Park, CA, 91320
Date & Time/ RB#: January 25, 2011 @ 1:25 p.m. / 11-2056
Unit Responsible: East County Sheriff’s Major Crimes
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(V) Female adult / Hispanic Newbury Park, CA 56
(S-1) Hispanic male Unknown 60-65 years
(S-2) Hispanic female Unknown 60-65 years
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Jon R Smith
Follow-up Contact: Detective Jon R Smith (805) 494-8216
Date of Release: February 1, 2011
Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington