Stockton Neighborhood Watch Breaks Up Alleged Major Identity Theft Ring
STOCKTON (CBS13) — A Stockton neighborhood watch helped break up a major identity theft ring being run inside a neighboring home.
The new arrivals in the neighborhood tried cleaning up the place, and even passed out Halloween candy, but something seemed off.
Neighbors say cars would come and go at all hours.
But on Thursday, the lights were off and nobody was home after the people who moved in just weeks ago were hauled away in handcuffs.
When the neighborhood watch captain contacted police, he figured they just had squatters in a vacant home. He had no idea they would help bust an alleged major identity theft ring operating on their Stockton street.
Cops raided the home and say they found dozens of credit cards, ID cards, gift cards and Social Security cards. So far police say there are at least 50 potential victims.
"We owe thanks to the neighborhood watch members that called it into the police department -- so Neighborhood Watch does work," said Stockton Police spokesman Joe Silva.