A nine-month stretch of auto burglaries plaguing West Los Angeles's parking garages was brought to a halt with the arrest of 55-year-old Thomas Gardner. According to LAPD Newsroom, from July last year through February, Gardner allegedly swiped an assortment of items from numerous vehicles.
The climax of the crime spree occurred on February 20, when detectives, supported by narcotics and patrol officers, apprehended Gardner in North Hollywood, found in a car packed with evidence. The suspect, who apparently hoarded his haul in rented self-storage units scattered around Los Angeles, made a business out of reselling these ill-gotten goods online, all while the LAPD West Los Angeles Division's Auto Detectives were tirelessly piecing together the case.
Digging further into the matter, law enforcement executed search warrants on February 21 and 23 on Gardner's vehicle and storage hideouts. They unearthed a cache of stolen valuables, including golf clubs, designer sunglasses, and electronics, much to the relief of the aggrieved victims, who had these items returned.
After being carted off to jail, the Los Angeles resident faces 16 felony charges, a mix of burglary and identity theft. As reported by the LAPD, Thomas Gardner sits behind bars with bail set at a staggering $1.65 million. His slew of charges includes “14 counts of burglary, 1 count of identity theft, and 1 count of second-degree burglary.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is now tasked with prosecuting a man who turned subterranean parking into his personal shopping center. In connection with the ongoing investigation, the police urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in laying this case to rest. Tips can be directed to the West Los Angeles Division Auto Detectives or anonymously to the LA Regional Crime Stoppers via phone or their online platform.
