Police Prepare For Multiple Identity Thefts

Police are following leads and preparing for the potential that there may be many instances of identity fraud stemming from the theft of paper files containing Mercedes-Benz customers' personal financial information two weeks ago.

"We believe at least one person’s information has been compromised but we are preparing for many more," wrote Walnut Creek Lt. Steve Gorski in an email Friday.

Walnut Creek police are investigating the threat to people's identity posed by a Feb. 7-8 break-in in which locked files of customers' private information were stolen from the Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek dealership. Someone pried open an outside door and an interior door to the business office.

Gorski said potential victims have been given contact information for the Walnut Creek PD. If you suspect you are at risk, you may call the WCPD at (925) 935-6400.

In a statement emailed to Patch, the Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek's manager said that the firm has paid a credit bureau to provide customers with a year of free credit monitoring. The full statement is attached to this post.