Los Angeles Area Cargo Thefts NR12251vh

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department’s detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating information about individuals responsible for a series of cargo thefts in the Los Angeles Area.  The thefts have included baby furniture, toys, electronics, beer, pharmaceuticals and copper metals.

In 2012, cargo thieves in the greater Los Angeles area (specifically the San Fernando Valley) have been  stealing container loads from trucks parked in secure facilities, containers parked at various locations and unsuspecting shippers.  Related thefts being investigated have also occurred in the cities of Compton, Santa Clarita, and Vernon.  Lost and stolen freight have cost millions of dollars in property loss.

Detectives have arrested six individuals, but need the public’s assistance in locating additional suspect information and associated cargo crimes.  The individuals arrested recently include San Fernando Valley residents: 40 yr old Toros Tufenjian, 23 yr old Movses Dermishyan, 26 yr old Akop Amalyan, 40 yr old Artak Harutyunyan,  39 yr old Ara Hayrapetian and 38 yr old Miguel “Angel” Moreno.

The most recent incident occurred on November 27, 2012, in Chatsworth at Nordhoff St and Eton Ave in Topanga Division.  Patrol officers arrested four males attempting to steal cargo from a semi-trailer parked at the location.  It was determined that the suspects belong to an Armenian organized theft ring.  Two of the suspects were arrested in July in the city of Vernon for the same crime.  Three of the suspects have posted bail, and the fourth is being held on a felony no bail arrest warrant for a narcotics violation.    

Detectives from the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division, Cargo Theft Unit are conducting a widespread investigation into these crimes.  We are requesting the assistance of all community members in the apprehension of these criminals.  Anyone with information regarding these crimes is urged to call Detectives 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 "webtips" and follow the prompts.