Detectives Warn the Public about “Distraction Burglars” NR12266cj

Los Angeles:  Since the beginning of this year, Foothill Division has experienced a series of “Distraction Burglaries.”  The suspects, posing either as Department of Water and Power employees, City of Los Angeles employees or construction workers, will knock on the door of a residence.  Once a victim opens their door the suspects engage in conversation by telling them they need to access their back yard to check electrical wires, or their structure.

While the victim and one of the suspects are in the back yard, the other will enter the residence and remove items, including identification, cash, laptops and jewelry.  The suspects use cell phones or walkie-talkies to communicate.  Once suspect two has completed removing items inside the house, the suspect accompanying the victim in the backyard will immediately exit the backyard. Once the victims return inside, they discover their property missing.  

Detectives are encouraging members of the public to not allow anyone into their residence or their backyard without confirming that the person is an employee of the company they claim to represent. If in doubt, call the company to confirm work being done in the area.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Foothill Detectives at (818) 834-3115.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (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.