In what police called a rare string of robberies in the San Fernando Valley, two masked men on Saturday night robbed a liquor store, drug store and a sandwich shop - even taking cash and cell phones from patron, in less than 2 hours.
In an unrelated robbery, another armed suspect robbed a liquor store on Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Karen Rayner said.
"It's quite unusual to have so many in such a short span of time," Rayner said Sunday.
The first robbery occurred at 8:45 p.m. when two men, one armed with a handgun, entered a liquor store in the 21000 block of Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills and demanded cash from the till.
About 15 minutes later, the same men robbed a sandwich shop in the 16000 block of Ventura Boulevard in Encino. At 10 p.m., the men robbed a large drug store in the 15600 block of Ventura Boulevard in Encino, Rayner said.
"They had their faces (partially) covered (with bandanas), were wearing gloves, demanded cash and ended up walking away with an undetermined amount of cash from all the locations," Rayner said.
Rayner described the suspected robbers as black and between the ages of 20 to 30.
The suspects also demanded cash and cell phones from some customers in the businesses, Rayner said.
No one was injured.
The fourth robbery occurred at 10 p.m. at a liquor store in the 4400 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard.
"He was also armed with a handgun and also got away with an undetermined amount of cash," Rayner said. "It wouldn't be possible (that the robberies are related) unless they are friends. The other one happened at almost the same time."
The suspect was described as a male Hispanic or black.
Until the suspects are caught, Rayner advised people to be aware of their surroundings and those who are coming and going in stores.
"If you see someone suspicious or the hair on the back of your neck stands up, pay attention," Rayner said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 877-LAPD-247. For those who wish to remain anonymous, they can also call 800-222-TIPS.
