Increase in Plain Thefts and Burglaries from Motor Vehicles NA12116cj

WHAT:
News conference

WHEN:
Thursday, May 24, 2012   10 a.m.

WHERE:
LAPD Rampart Conference Room
1401 W. 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017

WHO:
Captain III Steve Ruiz, LAPD Rampart Area Commanding Officer
Lieutenant II Joe Losorelli, LAPD Rampart Area Detectives
Detective III’s Carlos Silva and Mario Mota, LAPD Rampart Area Detectives
WHY:
To assist Rampart Division in a community awareness campaign regarding thefts of personal property left unattended for short periods of time and the prevention of burglary and thefts from motor vehicles. This year, Rampart Division has experienced an increase in burglary and thefts from motor vehicles which has resulted in a 25.5% increase year to date (YTD). In addition, Rampart has also seen an increase in personal property left unattended for short periods of time which is taken by suspects.   Laptop computers, phones, backpacks, purses and wallets are being left unattended at restaurants, stores, banks, shopping carts, parks, etc for very short periods of time and are being stolen by various suspects. As a result, Rampart has seen a 14.2% increase in personal thefts YTD.

Anyone with information about suspects committing these crimes is asked to call LAPD Rampart Division at 213-484-3490.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  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.

CONTACT:
For further information, contact the LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.