The Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Area auto detectives have nabbed two juveniles following a spate of car burglaries in the Westchester and Playa Del Rey neighborhoods. The young suspects are linked to a series of smash-and-grab incidents involving parked vehicles where they stole items and fled. Scenes of shattered glass and violated privacy were left in their wake.
After the initial crime spree on January 20, 2024, which resulted in over 60 vehicles having their windows broken, the LAPD gathered video evidence that showed the suspects in action, donning dark hoodies as they perpetrated their misdeeds. According to LAPD's official statement, the series of break-ins did not cease there; on April 14th, an additional 15 vehicles were burglarized, and on April 21st another 17 cars suffered a similar fate.
Investigative work by Pacific Area officers led to the whereabouts of the elusive suspects. A breakthrough came about when two juveniles were recognized from video footage related to several incidents and were apprehended at an apartment on Manchester Avenue. "Officers recovered multiple items of evidence in the apartment including burglary tools, multiple backpacks, ID cards, and credit cards," the police department reported.
Slapped with charges of burglary from motor vehicles, the duo was arrested and later released into their parents' custody. With the case open and ongoing, the evidence is set to be delivered to the District Attorney's Office to decide if felony charges should be filed. Caught red-handed with the tools of their illicit trade, the young burglars' future now hangs in the balance of the legal system.
The LAPD urges anyone with information concerning these incidents or others that may involve the arrested juveniles to step forward. Tips can be relayed to Pacific Area Auto Detective Damien Levesque at 310-482-6367 or Detective Carlos Carias at 310-482-6420. Anonymous tipsters have options via LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or by downloading the "P3 Tips" mobile application.
