“Commercial Crimes Division Need the Public’s Help to Identify Suspects Wanted for Cargo Thefts in the San Fernando Valley” NR11520SF

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division/ Cargo-Hijack Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating or identifying a group of individuals responsible for a series of cargo thefts throughout the San Fernando Valley Area.

On November 3, 2011, detectives located a warehouse in the Sun Valley area of Foothill Division containing numerous stolen cargo items.  These items included chocolates stolen in Montebello, shoes and slippers stolen in Hesperia, chips stolen in Burbank, heaters stolen in East Los Angeles, mattresses, energy drinks, heaters, frozen food, tuna and dog chews stolen in Foothill Area, patio furniture and green chili products yet to be identified.

During the investigation detectives arrested one man for the thefts and three others were questioned and released.  In addition, four men were arrested in a related case on October 18, 2011, in Foothill Area with a stolen load of cosmetics from Santa Clarita.  Detectives believe both cases are related but are asking for the public’s help to identify and locate other suspects involved with the cargo thefts.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Commercial Crimes Division, Cargo Hijack Unit, Detectives Zavala or Hernandez at 213-485-2509 or 213-268-0819.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.