LAPD Announces Multiple Arrests of Serial Follow-Home Robbery Suspects NR22376mc

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s Chief Michel Moore created the Follow Home Task Force (FHTF) out of Robbery-Homicide Division in November 2021. Its purpose was to address the increases in violent robberies, which in a similar pattern, unsuspecting victims were robbed of expensive watches or jewelry items when returning home from dining or entertainment. These robberies occurred mostly from the Hollywood or Wilshire Areas of Los
Angeles.

The FHTF consists of 16 detectives, varying from Robbery-Homicide Division to detective assignments throughout the city. The FHTF focused their efforts on addressing this specific type of robbery. The total number of follow home/away robberies identified by the task force was 328 (through December 1, 2022). During the investigations of those robberies, 122 arrests were made. The 122 arrests included five for Murder, nine for Attempted Murder, 88 for Robbery, and various other charges. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office assisted with providing gun enhancements on the violent armed robberies. Those arrests were made after extensive investigations, involving forensic technology, DNA, fingerprints, and review of hours of surveillance video. The investigative work also led to the service of over 485 search warrants.

Last year in November, prior to the FHTF, there were a total of 39 incidents. In November of this year, nine incidents have occurred, which is a decrease of 77%. In addition, during the last quarter of 2021 there were 91 incidents. This past quarter, there have been 33 incidents, which is a 64% reduction. To date, during the month of December there has only been one reported incident.

The public’s assistance has been key for the success of the FHTF. The statements from victims and witnesses, tips, and cell phone video and surveillance video provided by the members of the
public has been instrumental in many of the arrests completed by the FHTF.

The following recommendations are still in place for the public:

• Be aware of one’s surroundings for anything unusual or out of the ordinary before exiting your car, walking out of a restaurant, stores, malls, or clubs.
• Be cautious of displaying high value property in public such as: purses, watches, and jewelry.
• Record and report suspicious activity to the police (write down suspicious suspect/vehicle descriptions).
• If you are driving and believe you are being followed, dial 911. If possible, drive to the nearest police station.
• If you are being robbed, do not resist the robbery suspects; cooperate and comply with their demands. Be a good witness.
• After a robbery, immediately call the police department by dialing 911. Immediately write down everything you can remember about the crime, suspects and suspect vehicle.

Anyone with information related to this or any other follow-home robbery is urged to call Robbery Homicide at (213) 486-6840. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (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.