Brentwood Police announced Tuesday they are investigating the sale of fake gold bars. Investigators are aware of two incidents in the Kohl’s parking lot where sellers create a perception they are “down on their luck” and in desperate need of money. They convince the buyer to purchase a gold bar for cash before the buyer discovers the bar is NOT gold. In one incident, it was reported the suspects threatened violence and forced the victim to purchase the fake gold bar.
With the holiday shopping season upon us, criminals will be actively searching for crimes of opportunity. We must be vigilant and skeptical about anyone who approaches us with any kind of proposition. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and try not to shop alone. If you encounter anyone trying to sell you anything in the shopping center parking lots, please avoid them and contact dispatch (778-2441) to report the circumstances.
Anyone with information regarding the sale of gold bars in the Kohl’s parking lot is encouraged to call Detective Eric Huesman at 925-809-5732.
The Brentwood Police Department would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
2 comments
They have to be real. Poor people who are “down in their luck” always have gold bars tucked up their kazoo during the holiday season.
Honestly, the gold bars aren’t even relevant. Didn’t matter whether the victim said yes or no, this is straight-up kidnapping and extortion, and then intimidation severe enough so that the victim is afraid to report the incident. I’m betting this isn’t the last parking lot incident we’ll see in the run-up to the holidays. TV’s in boxes (which turn out to be rocks, or stolen merchandise), distraction muggings (one person engages the victim, the other grabs her belongings and runs), fake car trouble where the victim is asked to help or make a phone call, etc. Check out the other story where the woman was asked for directions, then beaten up by three men in the care facility parking lot. Everyone should be on high alert all the time. It’s unfortunate, but true.
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