Police in West Los Angeles are warning the public to stay vigilant as they hunt for an organized burglary crew that is targeting high-end homes using sophisticated techniques such as Wi-Fi jammers. This warning comes after multiple incidents in upscale neighborhoods like Bel Air, Holmby Hills, and Pacific Palisades. The LAPD has sent out a community alert following a home invasion in Sherman Oaks where a nanny was reportedly held at gunpoint. Residents in the area are concerned about the increasing frequency of such crimes, with home invasions and burglaries happening almost nightly.
In one incident in Sherman Oaks, three suspects allegedly stole thousands of dollars in luxury items from a home before fleeing to Compton. They were eventually arrested and faced charges related to home invasion robbery and residential burglary. District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the impact of residential home invasions on both victims and the community, pledging to hold the perpetrators accountable. LAPD Chief Dominic Choi assured residents that efforts were being made to address residential burglaries in various neighborhoods affected by criminal activity.
Police believe that the home burglaries in West Los Angeles are the work of a crew of two to four unidentified and masked males who target unoccupied homes. The suspects are reported to use ladders or climb up drain pipes to access second-story master bedrooms before stealing valuables such as jewelry, watches, purses, and cash. They also reportedly use Wi-Fi jammers to disrupt home security cameras and handheld radios to communicate with getaway vehicles. Authorities are advising residents to report any suspicious activity and take preventive measures like installing alarms on sliding glass doors and equipping safes with GPS tracking devices.
Former FBI investigator Bill Daly suggests additional security measures, such as keeping lights and TVs on and ensuring that an extra vehicle is visible outside the home. He also recommends drawing curtains to give the appearance of activity in the house when residents are away. Despite these efforts, the burglaries continue, with one suspect, Jose Agarde Lopez, being arrested for attempting a home burglary in Cheviot Hills. The suspect, with a history of multiple burglary arrests, used a key from a construction crew’s lockbox to gain access to the property.
Neighboring businesses in the Los Angeles Fashion District have also been targeted by burglars, highlighting the widespread nature of the criminal activity in the area. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the launch of a new hotline specifically for residential burglary cases, encouraging community members to share tips and leads to aid investigations and prevent future crimes. Law enforcement agencies will follow up on the information collected through the hotline to ensure accountability for those responsible for the burglaries. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their homes and belongings from potential intruders.
