Tunneling Burglars Caught on Tape NR17147pv

Woodland Hills: Los Angeles detectives have released photos and videos of three men who tunneled through a Woodland Hills day spa to burglarize the adjoining business, Hidden Vape, taking cash and smoking accessories, causing over $30,000 in property damage to both businesses.

“There’s no modesty on the part of these burglars, who looked right into the cameras,” explained Captain Paul Weber, Commanding Officer of the Topanga Detective Division. “Their intent was clear, and I would suspect this was not their first burglary. We’re asking anyone who recognizes them to give us a call.”

The break-in occurred April 26, 2017, around 1:30 AM, when the trio pried open the spa’s rear door, then broke through shared walls to access Hidden Vape, located in the 22700 block of Ventura Blvd. “This burglary makes the point that one business is only as secure as its adjoining business,” said Det. Deborah Myers, the lead investigator. “The owners did the right thing by installing quality video.”

Detectives described the burglars as Black men, in their twenties. All three wore similar style moustaches and goatees, and they appeared to be medium height and weight.

**Media outlets can record the video off a monitor at Topanga Community Police Station.**

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det. Anita Stieglitz, Topanga Detective Division, at (818) 756-5844. 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 the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.