Knock-Knock Burglary Task Force Arrests NR17075lp

Los Angeles: Detectives
have released the attached photographs of suspects arrested by the
Los Angeles Police Department who are actively involved in
Knock-Knock style burglaries. These individuals have also been
charged by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for
committing burglaries in the San Fernando Valley.

Knock-Knock Burglars are organized and target affluent
single-family residences located in the communities throughout the
west side of the San Fernando Valley. The members of these
knock-knock criminal groups are usually comprised of criminal
street gang members who claim territory in the South Los Angeles
area. They select homes based on the likelihood of having money,
jewelry, and/or firearms within the residence. They are known to
knock on the front door to determine if the residence is
unoccupied. Once they determine the residence is unoccupied, they
gain entry through a rear door, side door or second floor balcony
door and have been known to disable the alarm. The residences are
often ransacked as they search for money, jewelry, and firearms.
They have even been known to remove unbolted safes from the
residence. We estimate, the Knock-Knock Burglars are usually in and
out of the home within five minutes.
RECENT ARRESTS:

Daquinn Davon Epps Daejohn Cleonn Clark John Stuart White

On February 13, 2017, a resident of Chatsworth used their live
video system to observe a person breaking into their single-family
residence. They immediately notified the police and officers from
Devonshire Area responded. The officers arrested Epps, Clark and
White. After their arrest, one of arrestees informed the officers,
he will be out of jail in a couple of days and he would return to
the same area to commit burglaries. The same arrestee further
explained he would not spend more than six months in jail for this
type of crime.

“We are grateful that no one was hurt during this burglary and are
appreciative to the resident for immediately calling the police,”
stated Lieutenant Tim Torsney, Commanding Officer of Devonshire
Detectives. These are the types of clues and citizen calls we are
looking for to cease this type of criminal activity.

In LAPD’s West Valley Area, we had over 1,000 burglaries during
2016. It is believed that approximately 250 of these burglaries
were committed by organized Knock-Knock Burglars. “We need
community members to call the police when they observe suspicious
activity in their neighborhoods,” stated Captain Rafael Ramirez,
Commanding Officer of West Valley Area. “We have dedicated every
available resource to identify, track and arrest this type of
criminal behavior occurring in the San Fernando Valley,” added
Captain Ramirez.

The following tips will help prepare residents to protect
themselves and their property from Knock-Knock Burglars:
•Use video cameras around and inside your residence with motion
sensors covering entry points.
•Install a doorbell with video and audio capability.
•Share video which captures suspicious behavior with your neighbors
on social media.
•Ensure your “safe” is securely fastened to your residence to
prevent its removal.
•Keep valuable items in a bank safety deposit box.
•Install an audible alarm system with the speaker out of site and
reach, i.e., your attic area.
•Use laminated glass for rear and side doors, as it is more
difficult to remove.
•Ensure the property surrounding your residence is properly
lit.

The LAPD is collaborating with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s
Department, Major Crimes Bureau, Burglary-Robbery Task Force to
reduce the number of burglaries in the San Fernando Valley and
throughout both of our jurisdictions.
Anyone with information related to this type of criminal activity
is urged to call Detective Armando Monarrez, West Valley Burglary
Unit, at (818) 374-7730. Anonymous tips can be called into
Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637
(C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages
should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at
www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.