Westside Commercial Burglary Spree, Caught on Tape

Los Angeles: Los Angeles detectives from the West Los Angeles Police Station have released video footage of a man stealing a cash register from a closed donut shop on Robertson Boulevard.

"This was the break we needed," said Detective Sheryl Rush of the West Los Angeles Detective Division. "If someone can recognize this man, we may be able to solve over two dozen burglaries."

The incident caught on tape occurred November 25, 2006, at the Miss Donuts, at 2520 Robertson Boulevard. A heavy-set Hispanic man used a crowbar to pry open the closed business. Security cameras captured him muscling the cash register off the counter, then leaving. He returned shortly, after he realized he forgot his crowbar.

Detective Rush believes this man, who appears to be between 25 and 35 years old, may be responsible for as many as thirty-four burglaries on the Westside, dating back to June 11, 2006. The burglar has target closed businesses at all times of the day and night. Most have been located on major thoroughfares, like Robertson Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, Olympic Boulevard, Venice Boulevard, and Westwood Boulevard.

The suspect enters the businesses by prying open a door or smashing a glass window or door. He has taken about $4,000 in cash, but has cost owners thousands more in property damage.

Some reports describe the suspect as muscularly-built, under 6 feet tall, and he may be driving a dark SUV, possibly a Ford Explorer.

Detectives provided the following tips for business owners to better protect their properties from theft:
•When closed, leave the cash register drawer open and empty
•Don’t leave money in the store
•Don’t flash large amounts of cash in front of customers
•Install surveillance cameras, both inside and outside

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Rush at 310- 444-1576. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

The security footage of the burglary is available for viewing or filming at Media Relations Section. We have only one copy on a VHS video, but it does show the suspect’s face clearly.