By Daily Press staff
POLICE HDQRTRS. — Police are looking for a group of gypsies who use trickery and deception to burglarize Santa Monica residents.
The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating a series of residential burglaries. The primary suspect, identified as Michael Adams, is the head of a gypsy group operating in the Southern California area, police said.
The crimes range from staged traffic accidents to residential burglaries. The suspects often pose as contractors, gardeners, utility company employees or even relatives of neighbors, police said. The suspects distract the victim while a conspirator enters the victim’s residence to steal money or jewelry.
Adams, who uses the alias of Michael Ross, is described as white, 25 years old, 5’ 8”, 220 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His vehicle is described as a large pick-up or SUV, but he often changes vehicles, police said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call SMPD Det. Bambrick at (310) 458-8932 or the watch commander’s office at (310) 458-8426. Callers who wish to provide anonymous information also may call the We-Tip national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (2 7463). Callers with information that leads to an arrest and conviction become eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 12, 2004. Read the original PDF.