The Los Angeles Police Department’s West Los Angeles Community Police Station is reporting there has been a series of residential burglaries occurring in the West Los Angeles area.
West LA Senior Lead Officer Christopher Ragsdale said suspects typically would knock or ring the doorbell to verify if the resident is home.
“When there is no answer the suspects enter the side or rear of the residence and force entry by smashing the window or door glass to gain entry,” Ragsdale said. “Suspects are targeting the master bed and bath areas of the home and removing jewelry and small electronics. Additionally, homes under construction or major remodel are being targeted for tools, construction materials and appliances.”
The Department recommends the following to help prevent burglaries:
· ALARMS: Ensure that security alarms are in good working order and set when not at home whether leaving for 10 minutes or 10 hours.
· ALARM RESPONSE: Consider a private patrol alarm response to enhance your current alarm and security system. In many cases private patrols are already contracted in many neighborhoods or associations.
· SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS: Web based surveillance camera systems will allow homeowners to view and monitor activity from any smartphone or computer which are motion sensor activated and will alert your device when there is activity. They also lend valuable information and clues to the investigation.
· GATES: Ensure that all gates and access points to the side or rear of the residence are locked and secured.
· DOOR AND WINDOW LOCKS: Ensure that all doors and windows are locked and secured with sturdy secured locks and that there are second locking mechanisms securing all doors and windows as a second line of defense.
· MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU’RE HOME…Even when you’re not.
· NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Monitor suspicious activities in your neighborhood and alert your neighbors. Should the activity escalate to a crime about to occur, crime in progress or crime that just occurred, call 911 immediately.
