Dec. 25
False registration tab, identity and mail theft, possession of a controlled substance for sales, drug paraphernalia: At 5:17 a.m., deputies stopped a motorist at Williams and Alta Vista avenues for displaying a false registration tab. Further investigation revealed the driver and passenger were in possession of numerous articles of stolen mail, personal identifying information not belonging to either suspect, drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine for sales, in violation of one suspect’s probation terms. Both suspects were arrested.
Dec. 28
Forged vehicle title: A Saratoga resident reported the someone stole the title from their vehicle, forged the document and transferred ownership of the vehicle, which is still in the victim’s possession. No financial loss was reported.
Dec. 30
Theft by false pretenses: A Saratoga resident reported calling a telephone number found online, believing she was contacting customer service for a major online retailer. The suspects acted as security agents, claimed the victim’s account had been hacked and ultimately convinced the victim to send money via gift cards for a total loss of about $1,698.
Animal abuse, brandishing a deadly weapon: At 5:04 p.m., deputies responded to a disturbance at Azule Park on Goleta Avenue. An investigation revealed the suspect hit a dog multiple times with an umbrella and brandished a knife in a threatening manner. The dog was not injured. The suspect was arrested.
Dec. 31
Petty theft: Between 4:07 p.m. on Dec. 30 and 3:59 a.m. on Dec. 31, someone stole a package from the front porch of a residence in the 20000 block of Burnett Drive for a total loss of about $79.
Source: www.mercurynews.com