Los
Angeles: Detectives are asking the public’s help in finding
Otis Anthony Deaver, 57, who has been tied to a spree of office
burglaries over the last two months. Detectives released video and
still photos of Deaver, who often dresses in a security guard’s
jacket as a disguise to blend in and wander around unchallenged in
downtown business buildings.
“Deaver is a
career burglar who likes to steal laptops right off of desks,” said
Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective
Division. “We’ve tied him to two thefts since August, and
detectives at Rampart Division have tied him to several more
thefts.”
Deaver is Black, over 6 feet tall, with a thin build. He walks
with a distinct limp. He was last seen October 3 inside a downtown
bank with his head and face shaved.
“These office creepers are a bit creepy when one considers they are
sneaking around in your workplace as you work,” Lt.
Vernon explained. “No one should have to feel unsafe at work nor
have to hide one’s computer to take a break.”
Deaver has family in Whittier, California, but detectives believe
he is staying in the downtown area.
A video of Deaver entering 1900 Wilshire Boulevard in a security
jacket can be seen below.
Anyone with additional information on
this crime is urged to call Detective Pat Roman, Central Burglary
Unit, at 213-972-1230. Anonymous tips can be called into
Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637
(C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages
should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at
www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.