By Bruce Karnick

[email protected]

The Hastings Police Department is constantly looking out for and helping the community at large. Last week had seen some unusual activity. The first activity that had HPD working on an unusual activity was reported via press release by Hastings Police Chief Bryan Schafer on Jan. 27.

On Wednesday morning, January 26th, the Hastings Police Department received a crime alert from Savage PD regarding subject(s) who may be in Hastings running a “Grandparent Scam.” This involves scammers calling an elderly person pretending to be a grandchild who is in serious legal trouble and in need of cash for bail.

Yesterday afternoon, Hastings PD responded to a report where a Hastings resident was scammed out of $18,000.00 in cash by a suspect(s) using this method. The suspect(s) convinced the elderly victim to send an additional $25,000 cash via the UPS Store. Hastings PD intercepted the $25,000.00 prior to shipping and it was returned to the victim.

As part of the on-going investigation, the Hastings PD, in cooperation with Eden Prairie and Woodbury Police Departments, identified a possible suspect vehicle, located it at a hotel in Eden Prairie, then obtained a search warrant. Just prior to executing the warrants, the suspect vehicle left the hotel and was ultimately stopped at the Eden Prairie Walmart Store and one suspect was arrested. Officers then executed a search warrant at the hotel and took an additional suspect into custody in this case. The suspects were booked into Dakota County Jail for Felony Theft by Swindle and are awaiting formal charges by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.

The Hastings Police Department would like to thank the Savage PD, Eden Prairie PD and Woodbury PD for their cooperation and participation with these arrests.

These are the most prevalent scams in the US today. Law enforcement warns against giving personal information or cash/gift cards to strangers without verifying the information with a trusted loved one. When in doubt, feel free to contact the police department by calling 911.

The second activity has been isolated to the suburbs that are closer to the Twin Cities, but clearly it is creeping its way into Hastings: Motor vehicle theft. Over the last weekend, three motor vehicles were stolen. All three were left running, unattended and unlocked, a horrible combination for the vehicle owner and a prime opportunity for thieves. By Monday morning, two of the three vehicles were recovered, and suspects were in custody. The City of Hastings and the Hastings Police Department are asking for your help. Please do not leave your vehicle running unattended, always remove your keys, always lock your doors, even when parked in your garage. If you must leave your vehicle running, utilize the remote start feature.