Two masked men were caught on a home security system during a brazen daytime burglary in the Hyde Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles on Tuesday (June 2), leaving behind shaken residents and a trail of heartbreak. Homeowners say the suspects dumped ashes from a family urn and took off with jewelry, antique heirlooms, and cash, including the savings from their 11-year-old son's piggy bank. Neighbors told reporters they believe the same crew may have been behind as many as six break-ins in the area that day. So far, no arrests have been announced.
Surveillance footage and what was taken
Surveillance video reviewed by reporters shows two men in masks and gloves moving calmly through the home while one of them repeatedly peeks out a front window, apparently acting as a lookout. The family told reporters the burglars made off with thousands of dollars in valuables, including diamond, ruby, and gold jewelry, collectible coins, and sentimental heirlooms, and that they emptied a family urn before leaving with about $6,000 in cash, according to KTLA.
Homeowners' account
"It happened 10 minutes after a family member left the house," one homeowner told KTLA, describing how quickly the suspects moved in. The station reported that the intruders even spotted and shut off one surveillance camera before walking out.
The homeowners said the financial loss was painful, but the emotional hit was worse, since so many of the stolen items had deep family meaning. They are urging neighbors to review any exterior camera footage from that day in case it captured the suspects or their vehicle.
Where this fits in L.A.'s burglary trend
City officials have been warning that organized crews sometimes scope out homes ahead of time and go straight for high-value items. Mayor Karen Bass recently ordered extra patrols in neighborhoods hit by similar break-ins, according to the Los Angeles Times. Law enforcement agencies have been using short-term patrol surges and specialty units to try to disrupt burglary rings that detectives say move quickly and focus on jewelry and other goods that are easy to resell.
Police response and tips
Detectives are continuing to investigate the Hyde Park burglaries and are asking residents to save any possible video evidence and report tips to authorities. Officials have urged people to contact L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers or their local LAPD division, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. Neighbors say even grainy cellphone clips can help investigators identify vehicles, escape routes or other crucial leads.
How neighbors are reacting
Residents in Hyde Park say they are rattled and angry, and many plan to tighten up their informal neighborhood watch, share footage more quickly and keep a closer eye on unfamiliar cars cruising the block. Anyone with information or video that might help detectives is asked to call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or contact their local LAPD station.
