MBPD Arrest Four Suspected of 'Fishing' in Local Mailboxes for Personal Data

Originally posted at 1:14 p.m. April 24, 2014. Edited to clarify location of arrest.

Manhattan Beach police arrested today what they suspect are four identity thieves who allegedly went “fishing” for private information right out of public mail boxes.

An officer was patrolling residential neighborhoods around 4:30 this morning when he noticed a suspicious vehicle in the 3300 block of Pacific Avenue. An older model Isuzu was parked diagonally at the intersection and in front of a United States Postal Service mailbox, according to a Manhattan Beach Police Department press release.

After making contact with the four occupants, the officer discovered they allegedly possessed stolen mail from the mailbox and other areas in Manhattan Beach, officials said. Among the findings were rat glue and rope, which was used to “fish” mail from the mailbox.

Arrested were Cesar Gonzales, 33 of Los Angeles, Mike Ocegueda, 20, of Los Angeles, Catherine Serrano, 23, of Los Angeles and Amber Moore, 22, of Los Angeles.

One of the suspects allegedly had on him personal identification information, such as names, social security numbers and drivers’ license numbers that did not belong to him, police said.