NEWMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Newman Police Department received 41 calls for service and reported 59 officer-initiated calls from Jan. 1 to Jan. 4. There were 10 cases opened and two arrests.
The department issued three traffic citations and 18 parking citations. One vehicle was towed.
Vandalism
A 2018 Honda accord parked in the 800 block of Eucalyptus Avenue had the tires on the driver’s side slashed and the front bumper damaged. The estimated damage was $520.
Vandalism
A skimmer was discovered attached to the ATM at BMO at 945 Fresno St. A card skimmer is an illegal device that criminals attach to card readers at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. Criminals can use the data captured from the magnetic strip to steal the victim’s identity or create fake debit, credit, or Electronic Benefits Transfer cards that can be used to make purchases and steal the victim’s money or benefits. Card skimmers can be hard to detect because they are designed to blend into the terminal.
There are a few tips to help avoid using a terminal with a skimmer attached.
• Visually and physically inspect ATMs and POS machines before swiping or inserting your card. Does it wiggle or seem loose? If so, do not swipe or insert your card, notify the business and local law enforcement.
• Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN, and never share your PIN with anyone.
• Use a chip-enabled card if you have one.
• Use contactless-enabled cards or phones for safe and easy payments by tapping your card or phone on a contactless-enabled payment terminal.
• Sign up for notifications or alerts for your bank and credit card transactions, and you will receive a notification or alert whenever your card is used.
• Pay with cash whenever possible.
• POS/ATM terminals in tourist areas are popular targets for skimming devices. Be extra cautious in these areas.
Burglary
A call reporting two people at a vacant home in the 1100 block of Walnut Creek led to the arrest of two people on Jan. 2.
A Newman Police officer went to the home, which is for sale and supposed to be vacant. The officer spotted a woman, later identified as Jessica Reyes, 33, of Ceres in a window on the second floor. She came to the front door and was detained by the officer. A check of the home led to the discovery of Javier Suarez, 33 of Patterson.
The realtor told the officer no one was authorized to be in the home. Both suspects were arrested and taken to jail.
Larceny
Monica Rosette Silva was found walking in the area of Fresno and N streets with a corded light that had been taken from the Christmas tree display at the plaza.
Arrests
Jessica Reyes, 33, of Ceres was arrested on Jan. 2 for burglary, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Javier Suarez, 33, of Patterson was arrested on Jan. 2 for burglary, violation of a court order and a probation violation.
GUSTINE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Arrests
Joseph Aguiar, 35, was arrested at 7:18 a.m. on Jan. 1 in the 300 block of Wallis Avenue for felony causing injuries to an elderly or dependent adult, false imprisonment with violence, vandalism, damaging or destroying a phone, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Maria Gonzalez Perez, 38, was arrested at 6 p.m. on Jan. 3 in the area of East Avenue and Carnation Road for disorderly conduct.
Serafin Caballero, 59, was arrested at 7:19 p.m. on Jan. 3 in the area of East Avenue and carnation Road for DUI and violation of a court order.
