Detectives Urge Realtors to Properly Secure Vacant Homes NR13116rf

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division detectives investigating last week’s child abduction incident in Northridge are strongly advising real estate agents and property owners to secure vacant properties.

During the course of the investigation, detectives determined the abductors took their victim to an abandoned home in her neighborhood where they held her captive.  The vacant home was listed on the market to be sold or may have been already sold and going through escrow.  Taking the child to the home was an integral part of the suspects’ plan to evade capture.

As detectives continue searching for Tobias Dustin Summers, the primary kidnapping suspect, they ask that realtors who show homes to prospective buyers, especially in the Topanga, West Valley and Devonshire Areas, ensure that all windows, doors, back houses, sheds, garages and basements are securely locked. 

**An official community alert regarding this release can be found be clicking here**

Though detectives don’t believe Summers will continue to use these vacated homes in the area as refuge, they emphasize the importance of securing them to prevent unwanted occupancy and vandalism.