Residents in West Los Angeles are being urged to remain vigilant as detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department are on the hunt for an organized burglary crew that has been targeting high-end homes in upscale neighborhoods. The crew is known to use sophisticated techniques, including Wi-Fi jammers, to ransack valuable items from homes.
A recent incident in Sherman Oaks involved a nanny being held at gunpoint during a home invasion, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Matt Epstein, the president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association, expressed concern over the increasing frequency of home invasions and burglaries in the area.
In response to these crimes, the LAPD has issued a community alert to neighborhoods such as Bel Air, Holmby Hills, and Pacific Palisades. The suspects, described as two to four unidentified and masked males, often target homes that appear unoccupied. They use tactics like climbing up drain pipes to access second-story master bedrooms and disrupt home security cameras with Wi-Fi jammers.
To combat these burglaries, residents are advised to report any suspicious activity and take precautions such as installing sliding glass doors with alarms, bolting down safes, and equipping them with GPS tracking devices. Former FBI investigator Bill Daly recommends keeping lights and TVs on and making homes appear occupied even when empty.
Law enforcement officials, including District Attorney George Gascón and LAPD interim Chief Dominic Choi, have emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring the safety of the community. The LAPD is working diligently to address residential burglaries in various Los Angeles neighborhoods and is seeking the public's assistance in providing tips and leads.
In a separate incident, a suspect with a history of burglary arrests was apprehended in Cheviot Hills after attempting a home burglary. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has launched a new hotline specifically for residential burglary cases to gather information and aid investigations.
As the investigation continues, residents are advised to remain cautious and report any suspicious behavior to authorities. By working together with law enforcement, the community can help prevent future crimes and ensure the safety of their neighborhoods.
