Police report warns of AI-enabled scams, credits tech and staffing for drop in thefts

Chief Eric McCullough told the City Council on Jan. 12 that Mission Hills saw a generally quiet month but flagged a residential burglary and an uptick in increasingly sophisticated scams that use AI voice cloning and spoofed phone numbers. "Scammers are increasingly using AI to mimic voices, spoof phone numbers, and impersonate agencies," McCullough said, and he urged residents to verify calls by calling back on known numbers.

McCullough described common scenarios in which victims are instructed to transfer funds via Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency and stressed the need for immediate reporting so investigators can work with U.S.-based cryptocurrency firms to freeze funds. He said Detective Warkentin serves as the department’s in-house cryptocurrency expert and that officers are trained to contact investigations immediately on crypto-related calls.

The chief also credited Mission Hills' investments in technology and near-full staffing for notable crime declines year over year, citing thefts from motor vehicles down from 24 to seven and auto thefts from 21 to one. "License-plate readers and traffic cameras are producing strong results," he said, and noted a police drone program is expected to be operational by the end of the month. Mayor Andy Weed said the City would boost outreach on scam prevention in newsletters and local communications.

The meeting record shows no formal action tied to the police report; Councilmembers used the update to direct additional resident outreach and to coordinate a brief crime-prevention presentation at an upcoming Joint HOAs meeting.