Request for bail money could be a trick

Officers Michelle Isham and Armando Salazar recently handled a call involving a scam directed at senior citizens and asked me to alert the public. A male or female obtains telephone numbers for communities with seniors in the hopes of getting a senior citizen to answer the telephone. Here's an example of the conversation:

Scammer: Hello Grandma/Grandpa, it's me.

Victim: Tommy, is that you? It doesn't sound like you.

Scammer: Yes, it's Tommy. I have a cold. I need your help.

Victim: What's wrong?

Scammer: I went to Seattle with some friends and I've been arrested. I accidentally walked out of a store with a coat I was trying on and they arrested me for shoplifting.

Victim: What do you want me to do?

Scammer: My bail is $1,000. If I don't pay it, I'll have to stay in jail until my trial. Please wire me the money so I can get out of jail and come home? Please don't tell Mom. I'll explain it to her when I get home.

Victim: OK. Tell me where I need to send it and I'll go to the bank.

Scammer: Thanks Grandma/Grandpa. I'll see you soon.

You can see how this conversation could tug at the heartstrings of a grandparent. If you get a call like this, tell the caller to stop calling. Tell them that if they continue calling, you'll contact the police.

Shift events

On Sept. 18, Officer Ford responded to assist Henderson police on a possible sexual assault. A female told Henderson police that she had been raped earlier in the day in Boulder City. Officer Ford gave her a ride to University Medical Center for an examination. The case was turned over to the Investigative Bureau.

On Sept. 19, Officer Krumm responded to the 500 block of Ville Drive to a report of a burglary. The victim reported that someone broke into his home and stole a laptop and digital camera.

On Sept. 19, Officer Woolsey responded to the 1300 block of Nevada Highway to a report of a burglary. The victim reported that copper wire valued at about $600 was taken from the job site.

On Sept. 19, Sgt. Perkins and Officers Ford, Wilkin and Case responded to the 1500 block of Sandra Drive to a report of suspicious circumstances. Upon arrival, officers caught two juveniles running from an unoccupied residence. One juvenile attempted to strike one of the officers before being restrained.

On Sept. 19, Sgt. Perkins responded to the 1000 block of Nevada Highway to assist a citizen. The caller just received their new court-ordered alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet and was having difficulty getting it to work properly. Sgt. Perkins was happy to oblige.

On Sept. 20, Officers Sandin and Woolsey responded to the 700 block of Elm Street to a report of a burglary. The victim reported that $1,000 in cash was taken from her purse sometime during the night.

On Sept. 21, Sgt. Glenn and Officers Tomao, Isham, and Salazar responded to the 1000 block of Nevada Way to a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival officers discovered that a mother was attempting to physically throw her daughter from their motel room. Officers arrested both mother and daughter for domestic battery.

On Sept. 23, an animal control officer responded to the 100 block of Ville Drive. A concerned citizen reported that several big horn sheep were "posing" for photos in the roadway. (I don't make this stuff up, folks). Officer Cole canceled the photo shoot and all parties went their separate ways.

On Sept. 23, Officer Richner responded to the 1400 block of Nevada Highway to a report of a grand larceny. The victim reported that someone stole a motor valued at about $4,000.

On Sept. 24, Officer Richner responded to the 1300 block of Nevada Highway to a report of a burglary. The victim reported that someone broke into their business and attempted to steal a television mounted to the wall. They were unsuccessful and nothing else was reported missing.

Weekly Statistics

Incident Reports — 49

Traffic Stops — 213

Citations Issued — 125

Adult Arrests — 19

Juvenile Arrests — 4

Animal Control Calls — 122

Randy Sibbett, a Boulder City patrol officer, can be contacted at [email protected].