What started with a single stolen Range Rover in April has turned into a sizable haul for Burbank police, who say they have recovered eight stolen vehicles and arrested multiple people after a months-long investigation stretching into the northeast San Fernando Valley.
Detectives served a search warrant at a Pacoima residence this week, where they said they found the missing Range Rover parked alongside seven other allegedly stolen cars. One suspect was picked up earlier this month while allegedly driving yet another stolen vehicle, and three more people were later arrested and booked on multiple felony counts, according to police. The investigation is still active, and anyone with tips is urged to call 818-238-3231.
How investigators say they pieced it together
In a news release, the Burbank Police Department said the trail opened in April, when the Range Rover was reported stolen from a Burbank home. Detectives followed up with a mix of automated license-plate readers, surveillance video and digital evidence analysis to generate leads.
Those tools eventually led officers to 39-year-old Sargis Agabalyan of North Hollywood, who was arrested on June 3 while allegedly driving a different stolen vehicle, according to the department. That arrest helped pave the way for a search warrant at a Pacoima residence, where officers said they recovered eight stolen vehicles in total, including the original Range Rover that kicked off the case.
Who was arrested and booked
As reported by CBS Los Angeles, three other people were arrested in connection with the investigation and booked on multiple felony charges. They were identified as 39-year-old Yesenia Herreradecasillas of Pacoima, 47-year-old Jorje Ramirez of Pacoima, and a 17-year-old male.
CBS Los Angeles also noted that the Burbank Police Department plans to submit the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. Detectives say they are still working to determine whether the suspects are tied to any additional crimes in the region.
ALPRs, cameras and a wider push against property crime
Burbank’s reliance on automated license-plate readers and surveillance video fits into a broader San Fernando Valley strategy that leans on mobile ALPRs and targeted patrols to go after organized theft crews, The Los Angeles Times reported in April. The outlet noted that local agencies have been increasingly sharing technology and coordinating across city lines to track crews that swap plates, stash vehicles and move stolen cars from one jurisdiction to another.
Police and local leaders told The Los Angeles Times that these tools have helped close similar cases and speed up recoveries, particularly when thieves are on the move and vehicles cross city limits quickly.
What’s next for the case
For now, Burbank police say the case will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for potential charges against the suspects. Detectives plan to keep working leads to see whether the alleged operation connects to other vehicle thefts in Burbank or elsewhere in the Valley.
Investigators also thanked community members who shared tips and home-surveillance footage that helped move the case along. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Burbank Police Department’s tip line at 818-238-3231.
