Orange County Police Arrest Two Suspects for Credit Card Theft

An officer assesses the scene of a credit card theft incident at a local shopping mall.

News Summary

In a recent incident, Orange County police apprehended two suspects accused of using stolen credit cards during a shopping spree. The suspects, both citizens of Chile, were arrested after their unlawful activities at various stores in Irvine Spectrum Center were reported. Following a vehicle burglary, the duo utilized stolen credit cards for unauthorized purchases. The quick response from mall security and local police led to their capture and the recovery of stolen merchandise. Investigations are ongoing to identify any additional victims involved in these crimes.

Orange County Police Arrest Two Suspects for Credit Card Theft

Two suspects have been arrested in Orange County for allegedly using stolen credit cards during a shopping spree. The suspects, identified as Tiziana Olivares Bruna, 42, and JeanPierre Olivares, 38, both citizens of Chile, were apprehended after a series of purchases made with the stolen cards.

Incident Overview

The incident unfolded on May 25, when police in Irvine received reports regarding a vehicle burglary at the Bommer Canyon Trailhead. During this burglary, the suspects stole a victim’s credit cards, which they subsequently used for unauthorized transactions at various stores.

Shopping Spree Details

After illegally obtaining the credit cards, Bruna and Olivares proceeded to the Irvine Spectrum Center mall, where they made several purchases. Stores targeted during their shopping spree included Apple, Sephora, and Lululemon. Following the shopping activities, the suspects exited the mall and fled the scene.

Investigation and Arrest

Upon receiving alerts from mall security about the fraudulent activities, police were provided with surveillance images showing the suspects and their getaway vehicle. The images included the license plate of the car, enabling authorities to track down the suspects later that day.

The suspects were located in Dana Point and taken into custody. In their possession, police discovered not only the stolen merchandise but also tools typically associated with burglary, including a signal jammer and lock punches. Additionally, the suspects had a change of clothing that appeared to be intended for altering their appearance to evade law enforcement.

Charges Filed

Bruna and Olivares have been charged with several crimes, including burglary, receiving stolen property, forgery, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, and theft of access cards. The seriousness of these charges reflects the aggressive nature of the suspects’ activities.

Background Context

This incident highlights ongoing issues related to credit card fraud and vehicle burglaries in urban areas, where individuals often take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Orange County has witnessed a number of similar crimes in recent years, prompting law enforcement agencies to increase surveillance and preventive measures in shopping districts and popular recreational areas.

The swift response from both mall security and local police in this case signifies a cooperative effort aimed at reducing crime and enhancing public safety. As technology evolves, law enforcement continues to adapt, utilizing surveillance footage and data collection to apprehend suspects engaged in criminal activities.

Investigations into the extent of the suspects’ activities and any additional victims involved are ongoing. Authorities remind the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to prevent similar crimes.