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24
May 2012
Thefts on the rise, LAPD Rampart Division warns

The Los Angeles Police Department's Rampart Division is warning about a rise in thefts in its patrol area.

Click here to view Leo Stallworth's report

Officers said there has been a more than 25-percent increase in year-to-date burglaries and thefts from vehicles. They have also seen a more than 14-percent jump in year-to-date personal property thefts.

Laptop computers, phones, backpacks, purses and wallets are being left unattended at places like restaurants, stores, banks and parks for very short periods of time, and thieves are swiping them, according to police.

"They find a way into the parking garage, and they usually break into the car by smashing the window. Then they're stealing garage-door openers so they can come back another night and do the crime again," said LAPD Detective Carlos Silva.

"We believe that the two suspects that you see there are responsible for multiple break-ins to vehicles in apartment complexes in the area," said LAPD Captain Steven Ruiz. "We've had more than one hit with multiple vehicles being hit at any given time, and we believe that these two suspects are personally involved for that spree, and that's why we're reaching out to the public."

Police also report an increase in chain-snatch thefts, in which personal jewelry is stolen from people's necks, in the area.

If you have information related to these crimes, contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) LAPD-24-7.

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