Crime

The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Rampart Division held a press conference on May 24 in which Capt. Steve Ruiz discussed the increase of auto-related crimes, such as burglaries and thefts from motor vehicles and how to prevent becoming a victim.

As of May 24, Rampart had experienced a 27 percent increase in the crimes. Suspects were targeting vehicles with clearly visible GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, purses, laptop computers, bags, cell phones, iPods, cameras and other electronic devices.  Photos of property left inside cars were displayed along with images of suspects committing some of the crimes who are wanted by police.

At the same time, the increase of personal thefts and larceny crimes was also discussed.  Rampart Division has seen a 14 percent increase year-to-date in personal thefts. Primarily, the increase was a result of personal property being left unattended for very short periods of time or because of distracted shoppers. Suspects were approaching shoppers who placed their purses or other personal property in shopping carts and briefly turned away. In other instances, personal property was simply left unattended for short periods of times at parks, bus benches, office buildings and restaurants. Citizens were reminded to always secure their personal property and not leave it unattended.

Anyone with information about any of the crimes or who can help identify any suspects is asked to call Rampart Division Burglary Detectives at (213)484-3490. During non-business hours or on weekends, call the LAPD’s hotline at (877)LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800)222-TIPS. Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 with a cell phone.

Tags | Auto-Related Crimes, LAPD, Rampart Division