Burglaries Spike in Rampart Division’s Silverlake and Echo Park Areas NR13462rf

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division is experiencing a sharp increase in residential burglaries in its Silverlake and Echo Park Areas.

Since Sept. 15, 2013, through today, the Echo Park area has reported six residential burglaries. The suspect(s) simply removes window screens to open windows, enters the residences and removes mostly small electronic items and currency.  At least three of the six burglaries in Echo Park took place at night along the 800-900 blocks of East Kensington Road while the victims were home sleeping.

In Silverlake, a burglary spike has also developed, with eight having been reported.  At least three of the burglaries involved a garage and the other three were residences.  Despite an arrest of a career criminal on Sept. 20, 2013, for four burglaries, at least four additional burglaries have been reported.  In the Silverlake incidents, the suspect(s) pried off window screens and forced open windows to make entry, stealing small electronic devices, currency and jewelry.

After close analysis, detectives believe the 14 Silverlake and Echo Park burglaries are not related and implicate separate suspects.  Residents are reminded to secure their residences prior to leaving and also assure that all windows are not only closed but firmly locked.  Residents should also secure all door locks, including deadbolts.

Anyone with information about these crimes or who can help identify suspects is asked to call Rampart burglary detectives at (213) 484-3490.  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.