Residential and Vehicle Burglaries Rising in Rampart’s East Hollywood Area Crimes May Be Related NR12421rf

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division is experiencing a sharp increase in residential burglaries in its East Hollywood Area as shown in the attached map.

During the week of Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, 2012, Rampart’s East Hollywood Area reported 10 residential burglaries, of which at least five took place during the night when residents were home.  Of those five crimes, two occurred after the suspect removed a window screen or found an already open window where it was possible to simply reach in and remove valuables within arm’s reach.  During the other three crimes, the suspect actually entered residences and removed items as those inside slept.

Looking at all 10 burglaries, detectives believe it’s important to note that eight of the 10 crimes were initiated through an unsecured or open window.  Just before the above reporting period, another similar crime was reported on August 24.  In that instance, the suspect again reached into an open window in the same area and removed jewelry and a wallet from a desk next to the window.

It appears that at least the five reported nighttime burglaries may be related because of how the suspect reaches into open windows to steal nearby, reachable items and then fully enters the properties when no valuables are within arm’s reach.  At that point, detectives believe the suspect carefully selects items to take and then leaves from the same point of entry or a side door.  Targeted items to steal appear to be  small electronic devices, wallets and jewelry.

During the week indicated, a total of 18 property crimes have taken place in the above area. The breakdown is as follows: 10 residential burglaries (“BURG” on the attached chart), 2 stolen cars (“GTA” on the attached chart) and 6 burglaries from motor vehicles (“BTFV” on the attached chart).

Residents are reminded to secure their residences prior to leaving.  Windows should not only by closed but also locked.  Doors should also be fully secured by engaging all locks and deadbolts on every door.

Anyone with information about these crimes or suspects is asked to call Rampart Burglary Detectives at 213-484-3490.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). 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.