The Bel-Air Burglar has been Captured

Los Angeles: West Los Angeles Area Detectives have announced the arrest of Troy Corsby Thomas, believed responsible for more than 150 burglaries, over the past 3-years, in some of the most exclusive neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

On Saturday, January 17, 2009, Thomas, 45 years of age, and a resident of Los Angeles, was taken into custody and booked for burglary. Investigators believe Thomas is the primary suspect responsible for the rash burglaries that have occurred in the estates of Bel-Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, and the Hollywood Hills.  Detectives have estimated the total property loss to be in excess of $10 million.

In January 2006, West L.A. detectives began to notice a trend of burglaries occurring in the estates located in the hills of Los Angeles, north of Sunset Boulevard. A Task Force was assembled and personnel from the various divisions impacted by the series of crimes were assigned to the task force.  

The suspects of these crimes soon became known as the "Bel-Air Burglars."  Almost three years to the day the task force was formed, Thomas was identified and taken into custody.  A critical facet of this investigation was LAPD’s Scientific Investigation Division (SID), who collected, processed and analyzed key forensic evidence.

Additionally, LAPD’s Special Investigative Section (SIS) was also an important factor of the investigation.  SIS conducted surveillance on Thomas, who is believed to be the main culprit in the series of burglaries, and they were instrumental in his arrest.

The District Attorney’s Office has filed two felony counts of Burglary against Thomas.  He is being held on $3 million bail.  Investigators are still working on leads and anticipate additional arrests in this case.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Lieutenant David McGill, West LA Detective Division at 310-444-1581.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD.  Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPDwebsite  www.lapdonline.org.  All tips are anonymous.