Burglars in Korea Town and Palms Caught on Tape Public’s Help Requested to Identify Suspects NR11503gb

Los Angeles:  A security surveillance system has captured a male and female burglary team operating in the Palms and Koreatown Areas of Los Angeles.

On Sunday, September 18, 2011, during the evening hours, surveillance cameras captured both suspects prying open an apartment building’s front door located in the 400 block of South Hoover Street, in Koreatown.   The suspects, believed to be a boyfriend and girlfriend, entered the laundry rooms in a secured apartment complex.  Once inside, the male suspect pried open the coin operated washers and dryers, while the female suspect acted as a lookout. The male emptied the coin trays into the female’s purse then carefully replaced the tray back into the units.  Both suspects have been identified on three similar burglaries in the Palms and Koreatown areas of Los Angeles and believed to be involved in several more.

The male suspect is Hispanic or Armenian descent, 18 to 25 years of age with black hair.  He stands about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 160 to 170 pounds.  He was wearing a checkered buttoned shirt and dark pants.  The female suspect is described as Hispanic, between 18 to 25 years of age with black hair.  She stands about 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 160 to 170 pounds.  She was last seen wearing a striped grey and black blouse and black pants.   On the same date, both suspects committed a similar burglary in the 10800 block of Palms Boulevard in the Palms area of Los Angeles.

The suspects took several hundred dollars in quarters from the washer and dryers.  They are believed to be serial burglars responsible for numerous other burglaries and thefts in the last couple of months throughout the west side of Los Angeles area.

Anyone with information about this crime or who can help identify any suspects associated with these crimes is asked to call Rampart Burglary Detective Prieto at 213-484-3486.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.