Fictitious Pick-Up Cargo Thefts NR13391nv

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department Commercial Crimes Division Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information on the individuals responsible for a series of fraudulent cargo thefts commonly referred to as “Fictitious Pickups,” throughout the Los Angeles area and across the United States.

A fictitious pickup is conducted when a truck driver presents counterfeit documentation in order to pick up cargo.  By doing so, the driver is able to obtain cargo often without leaving a trace as to his or her true identity.

On Tuesday, August 13, 2013, detectives discovered a cold-storage warehouse located in the 12900 block of Saticoy Street in North Hollywood, California.  Inside the location, detectives recovered beef, shrimp, energy drinks and various frozen foods.  The vast majority of the recovered frozen foods were reported stolen by means of fictitious pickups.

The suspects are believed to belong to Armenian Organized Theft Groups and have targeted cargo shipping companies across the United States.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call LAPD Commercial Crimes Division, Cargo-Hijack Unit, Detective Zavala or Woods at 818-832-7510 or 818-832-7508.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may 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) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "Anonymous Web Tips."