"Officials in Los Angeles County warned that elderly Asians withdrawing cash from automated teller machines to participate in a Lunar New Year tradition could be vulnerable to robberies. "Individuals visiting banks and ATMs are prime targets for criminal opportunists, especially during major holidays such as the upcoming Lunar New Year," Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman said. "I urge the public to remain aware of their surroundings when conducting banking business. Trust your instincts - if you believe something appears suspicious, report it immediately.""
"Two Los Angeles residents, Russel Hardy and Cameron Perry, were sentenced in March 2024 to four and 10 years in prison for armed robberies, respectively. The men allegedly cased banks to prey on people who were withdrawing or depositing money at banks, according to the release. An elderly woman was dragged across a parking lot in one incident that was recorded on video. Victims were alone in all of the incidents."
Los Angeles County officials warned that elderly Asian residents withdrawing cash for Lunar New Year red envelopes are especially vulnerable to robberies at ATMs and bank parking lots. District Attorney Nathan Hochman urged people to remain aware of surroundings when conducting banking business and to report suspicious activity. Multiple armed robbery cases led to convictions and lengthy prison sentences: Russel Hardy (four years) and Cameron Perry (10 years) in March 2024, Dangelo Davonte Thomas (20 years, four months) and Demoryie Watts (16 years). Defendants in separate Van Nuys ATM robberies face nine to 37 years.
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