LAPD Follow Home Task Force NR21331ml

Los Angeles: In early 2021, Robbery-Homicide Division (RHD), Robbery Special Section (RSS), identified an ongoing crime trend of follow home robberies. The suspects target victims in Los Angeles, follow them, and commit the robberies as the victims go into isolated areas such as a parking lot or as they arrive home. As a result, RHD detectives began to track the various robberies that were being reported.

In this trend, detectives noted that the victims were being followed from such places as Melrose Avenue, the Jewelry District of Los Angeles, and high-end restaurants and nightclubs from Hollywood and Wilshire Divisions. The victims were being targeted based on the high-end jewelry they were wearing or the high-end car they were driving.

On November 17, 2021, the Chief of Detectives directed RHD to formulate a Follow Home Task Force. The intended purpose of the Follow Home Task Force is to assume follow home robberies and identify the associated crews of suspects. Ultimately, the suspects will be arrested, and the cases will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney or United States Attorney for filing consideration.

On November 23, 2021, RHD detectives were notified of a homicide in Hollywood Division which started as a similar type robbery. RHD detectives responded to the location and assumed the investigation.

Due to the unfortunate events, the Chief of Police has directed the Chief of Detectives to immediately institute the Follow Home Task Force. The Follow Home Task Force will be comprised of approximately 20 detectives from Robbery-Homicide Division and from other divisions throughout the Department.

The investigations are ongoing and anyone with information regarding these types of incidents is urged to contact the LAPD Follow Home Task Force at (213) 486-6840. 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 (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”

If anyone has tips or videos / photos, please send to RHDtipline@lapd.online.