Large number of Burglary/ Theft from Motor Vehicles NA17342ti

Van Nuys Area: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Van Nuys Area are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying Burglary and Theft from Motor Vehicle suspect(s).

On Thursday, November 16, 2017, Van Nuys Area experienced over a dozen Burglary and Theft from Motor Vehicles mostly during the hours of darkness. The crimes were spread out throughout Van Nuys, but mostly in the 13700 to 14900 block of Ventura Boulevard. Most the vehicles were either parked on the streets or in parking lots. The suspect or suspects smashed the vehicles’ windows targeting items left in plain view. The property taken were mostly electronics, such as laptops and tablets. Also taken were backpacks and purses.

The Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Division would like to remind the community that taking preventive steps can reduce your chances of becoming a crime victim. The Department is advising the public of our campaign to Hide it, Lock it, Keep it. The Department encourages you that before exiting your vehicle you must take a minute and make sure that you have removed all valuables from your vehicle or lock them up in the glove compartment or the trunk of the vehicle. We are reminding everyone the importance of taking a little time to reduce the chance of being a victim of a burglary or theft from motor vehicle.

There is often an increase in burglaries and thefts from vehicles during this time of the year due to the holiday season. This type of crimes are Crimes of Opportunity. To curb this activity, we must take the time to secure our valuables. Please share this information with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. If you see or hear suspicious activity call the police.

Anyone who may have witnessed or has information regarding these crimes is asked to contact LAPD Van Nuys Auto Detectives at (818) 374-0040. During non-business hours or on weekends, please contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit ww.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.