European Crime Ring Responsible For Uptick In Property Crimes In South Bay City: Police

TORRANCE, CA — A South Bay Police Department is warning community members of an Eastern European crime ring they believe is responsible for a recent uptick in property crimes.

The Eastern European Theft Groups have been targeting community members in Torrance, and are often responsible for crimes such as phishing scams, fake lottery wins, online scams and data breaches, according to police.

They also pick people's pockets and pull off distraction thefts and home burglaries, ``often executed with precision and planning in public places,'' according to the Torrance Police Department, which said the thieves may work in teams, with one person distracting the victim while another steals their belongings.

"These groups often employ sophisticated techniques to target individuals and businesses, resulting in significant financial losses," the Torrance Police Department said in a statement Wednesday. "As part of our commitment to community safety, we urge community members to stay informed and vigilant."

The TPD recommends community members keep the following tips in mind to protect themselves:

• Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or bank details over the phone.
• Verify the authenticity of callers from banks or government agencies.
• Keep antivirus software on devices up to date, regularly change passwords and use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Be mindful of surroundings when out in public and don't display valuables.
• Share awareness tips and other information with community members, friends and families.
• Report suspicious behavior or scams to the TPD at 310-328-3456.

"By staying vigilant, informed, and skeptical, we can collectively reduce the risk of becoming victims of organized theft," the TPD said. "Let's work together to keep our community safe."

The announcement by the TPD comes just a few weeks after it said an increase in home burglaries in the South Bay city could be attributed to a South American organized crime group.

In that case, the TPD said the crime group had been setting up surveillance cameras equipped with battery packs across the city to monitor homeowners' daily routines and identify when homes are most vulnerable.

City News Service contributed to this report.