Police searching for woman posing as Animal Control Officer

CALIFORNIA -- Two residences in Belmont were burglarized Thursday by suspects impersonating animal control officers dealing with a “snake infestation.” One of the suspects is the same female who has struck in several Bay Area cities, including San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Fremont and Union City, according to Belmont police.

The first burglary was 5 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 in the 300 block of Chesterton Avenue. A female, posing as an animal control officer came to the victim’s door and explained that there was a “snake infestation” in the neighborhood and they would need to set traps in the victim’s backyard.

Composite of the suspect

The suspect asked to inspect the victim’s home and see the backyard. After being shown around the home, the suspect told the victim that everyone in the home needed to come with her into the backyard so she could show them where traps would be set. The suspect kept the victim and his teenage son distracted for approximately 30 minutes while other suspects entered the residence and stole several hundred dollars in cash.

The second burglary was approximately 6 p.m. in the 900 block of Chevy Street. The same female suspect contacted the resident with the same story about a snake infestation in the neighborhood, explaining that a neighbor’s pet snakes had escaped. This victim was also lured into the backyard, while the female suspect’s accomplices burglarized the home. This victim lost cash and jewelry, according to police.

The female suspect is described as Hispanic, 5 feet 6 inches, stocky, light brown or dirty blonde hair and a lip piercing. She was wearing sunglasses (described as pink in the first case and yellow in the second), khaki work shirt, khaki pants and black work boots. The work shirt had a sewn-on patch with the words “Animal Control” on it above the left breast pocket area and an embroidered name patch over the right breast pocket area with the name “Al,” and she was carrying a clipboard, according to police.

A similar crime took place on Francisco Drive in Burlingame and the 400 block of Alameda de las Pulgas in San Mateo Tuesday evening.

9/6/13: Newly released photos of the suspect

Police nor the Peninsula Humane Society are investigating any infestations of snakes or snake-related problems in Burlingame and San Mateo. Fremont animal control officials also report that they are not looking for any loose snakes or handling snake-related problems in the city.

Animal control officers and police officers are required to carry with them governmental photo identification cards. Police are advising residents to ask to see photo identification of a person claiming to be an officer. Beware of solicitors at your door, as this is a common ruse to see if anyone is home, according to police.

Residents who see suspicious activity are being urged to contact police immediately.

(Daily Journal - August 31, 2013)