On September 30th, 2025, a report was received from an Albany resident who had been the target of a distraction burglary at their home in the 600 block of Santa Fe Avenue earlier in the day. Two female individuals knocked on the resident’s door and asked for some flowers from the garden. The resident obliged the two individuals who claimed to be new neighbors. Afterwards the resident discovered signs someone entered the residence and property had been taken. On the same day, another report was taken from a resident who lived in the 900 block of Cornell Avenue that involved similarly matching descriptions of the two female individuals from the burglary on Santa Fe Avenue. A red Honda Pilot was determined to be involved through investigative tools.
On October 1st, 2025, Albany Police patrol units found the suspects’ red Honda Pilot driving in town and conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of Key Route Boulevard. The vehicle was occupied by five individuals, two of whom fled on foot from the traffic stop. The two individuals who fled were observed getting into an awaiting blue Ford Expedition in the area of Key Route and Marin Avenue. Albany Police detectives were able to follow the blue Ford until a marked patrol unit responded and subsequently conducted a traffic stop in the Whole Foods parking lot on Gilman Street. Two individuals fled on foot from this traffic stop as well, one of whom was detained without further incident with the assistance of a Berkeley Police unit.
Six female individuals in total were arrested for the crimes of felony burglary and conspiracy. Three of the arrestees had active felony arrest warrants for similar crimes.
If you experienced similar distraction type scam methods or have possible evidence related to the above crime, please contact the Albany Police and request to speak with a detective.
Additionally, The Albany Police would like to remind community members to be aware of distraction scams. Be vigilant and be skeptical of individuals who come to your home unannounced or who randomly approach you.