Encino – The Target of Numerous Burglaries

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, January 15, 1999
The Los Angeles Police Department West Valley Division is currently investigating numerous residential burglaries (39 total as of 1-12- 99) in the south portion of Encino. We believe that all of these burglaries are being committed by the same person. At this point in the investigation it is unknown if the suspect has an accomplice.

In one of the burglaries, a witness observed the suspect exiting the rear door from a victim’s house. The suspect has been described as a male, Asian (possibly Eurasian), between 24-30 years of age, black hair, 5’7"-5’8", 170-190 pounds, wearing a blue sweat suit with white stripes on the sides and white tennis shoes.

The suspect has been known to enter by breaking, smashing or forcing open the rear windows, doors, or french doors. Once inside the suspect targets the master bedroom and is selective in the property taken.

The Los Angeles Police Department recommends that the community follow some basic crime prevention tips as indicated below:

Review your home security inside and outside
Store valuables in secure locations (i.e. safe deposit box or a home safe)
Photograph and document your valuables
Know your neighbors/be responsible for neighborhood security (i.e. neighborhood watch)

Remember Neighborhood Watch membership helps residents protect their neighborhoods and monitor suspicious activity.

Anyone with information on these crimes is encouraged to contact the West Valley Division Burglary Unit at (818) 756-8553.

For Release 8:30 am PST
January 15, 1999