In a string of high-stakes collars throughout December, the Los Angeles Police Department, along with multiple neighboring agencies, put the cuffs on 13 individuals linked to a wide-reaching organized burglary operation. The LAPD reported that these busts spanned across the greater Los Angeles area, leading to the recovery of a king's ransom in stolen goods worth over a million dollars—including designer handbags, ritzy clothing, and luxury watches and jewelry.
Officers from Glendale PD kicked off the takedown on December 19th, nabbing a trio of suspects from a vehicle decked out in gear matching descriptions tied to several Glendale break-ins. Although two tried to make a break for it on foot, they found their sprint cut short and were promptly apprehended. According to an LAPD Newsroom release, the suspects were charged with residential burglary.
Come December 27th, the heist-busters responded to a radio call alongside Beverly Hills PD, who had lost approximately five suspects on foot after a burglary near Coldwater Canyon Drive. After LAPD established a perimeter and launched a K-9 Unit search, they bagged three more suspects and impounded the getaway vehicle—a black Ford Explorer laden with the stolen valuables.
On the following day, West Los Angeles detectives and Metro Division officers raided a residence connected to the burglars, which doubled as a stash house for their ill-gotten gains. The haul from the hideout and the suspects' vehicles turned up additional high-end purses and other evidence solidifying their connection to the crime spree. As a result of this raid, another trio of suspects were scooped up and charged with a count each of residential burglary, the LAPD detailed.
The arrests continued on December 30th when West LA officers, tipped off by Beverly Hills PD regarding a white Mercedes suspected in another heist, snagged a female from the vehicle and with the help of another K-9 Unit search, rounded up four more culprits. The suspects were booked for conspiracy to commit burglary, putting a temporary end to their purported crime wave.
Investigations into the burglary ring's operations are still alive and kicking, with detectives from various police departments working together to unravel the extent of the group's criminal network and hopefully to hook the rest of the gang. While many of the stolen items have been returned to their rightful owners, law enforcement officials are of belief that more looted property is out there, and they are determined to get to the bottom of it and plug any remaining holes in their case.
Additional information about the ongoing investigation, including suspect images, can be found at the LAPD's official newsroom. The public is encouraged to come forward with any related information by contacting the LAPD directly or anonymously through the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers hotline and mobile application.
