Santa Ana : Police Reassure Elderly on Burglary Precautions

Elderly residents in the neighborhood south of Santa Ana High School should continue to take normal precautions against burglaries, but they face no unusual risks despite a recent rash of incidents against one couple, police said Friday.

Capt. James L. Dittman, in charge of investigations, said an elderly couple victimized several times in the past few weeks were known to be an “easy target” to a small band of criminals. The elderly man was friendly with young people in the area, who had begun to prey upon him and his wife, Dittman said.

He said that two women, Anna Cruz, a transient, and Pamela Martin, of Westminster, were being held in connection with the incidents. Cruz was held on a parole violation and Martin was held on suspicion of burglary. Since the arrests, crimes against the South Ross Street couple have stopped, Dittman said.

Investigating Officer Gary Adams, in charge of the Police Department’s Crimes Against the Elderly program, said the male victim, who is 87, and his 79-year-old wife are both feeble and had become targets for criminals.

“All of our seniors can rest assured that we are on their side. We will not tolerate anyone taking criminal advantage of them,” he said.

He cautioned senior citizens to lock all doors and windows when they go out and at night, “just like everyone should,” and take other normal precautions.

Anyone seeking more information on the Crimes Against the Elderly program should call 834-4966.