Police Blotter: Credit Confusion and Menacing Mail

Co-sign of trouble:
On July 15, a man alleged that his caretaker had opened a credit card in his name and made several purchases without his permission.

The alleged victim, a disabled man who requires full-time help, and his daughter told police that during the spring of 2009 he had refused to co-sign a credit card for his caretaker, though he confirmed for Chase Bank that she was employed by him.

On July 7, the bank notified the man of an overdue minimum payment on the account for $780. After the man told the bank that he never applied for a card, he discovered that he was listed as the account holder and the caretaker as an authorized user. The bank agent reportedly told the man he would not be held liable pending submission of a police report.

The next day, the man's daughter called the caretaker, who reportedly cried and said she had never found the opportunity to reveal her actions. She also insisted that the man had agreed to be a co-signer on the account. The caretaker reportedly said she made her first purchase on a trip to Vegas with her family and has since paid more than the minimum due.

The man said he never authorized the caretaker to use his information for the card, which had a reported balance of $8,200.

Menacing mail:
A man reported on July 17 that he was mailed a 3x5 note card reading, "I coming to kill you (sic)," along with an expletive. He told police he did not know who could have written the note, but he fears the suspect will carry out the death threat against him or his family because his home address was on the card. Police booked the card as evidence.

Thefts, Unplugged:
July 14: Police responded to a report that the traffic signals at two intersections— Manhattan Beach and Sepulveda boulevards; and Sepulveda and 18th Street—were on four-way flash. A Cal-Trans employee reconnected a pulled plug at the first intersection and repaired the signal box. Police reported no signs of forced entry.

July 15: A racing bike was stolen from the 2100 block of the Strand.

July 16: Five sets of side mirrors were stolen from cars parked in front of various homes.

July 17: Jewelry and other items worth more than $65,000 were stolen from a woman's combination safe in her home along the 500 block of 35th Street.

July 18: A beach cruiser with a black basket was stolen from the 100 block of 18th Street.

July 19: Black Prada sunglasses and an Apple iPhone were stolen from a car parked at the 2800 block of Pine Avenue.