Female “Knock-Knock” Burglars Strike in Encino Hills

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Valley detectives are asking for the public’s help for information leading to the identification and arrest of a burglary crew. 

On Friday, April 16, 2010, at around 10:30 a.m., three female suspects attempted to burglarize a home in the Encino Hills section of Los Angeles, south of Ventura Boulevard.  These three females employed a “Knock-Knock Burglar” method.  The suspects first went to the front door, knocked repeatedly, and when there was no answer they went to the back of the house and broke a window.  They were scared away when an audible alarm sounded.  

These three females are suspected in two other burglaries in the Encino area.  

The three suspects are described as female African Americans in their late twenties.  The vehicle used is a possible gray or light colored compact.   

*Video of the suspects is available at “lapdtv.org”
 
Anyone with information regarding these burglaries is encouraged to contact West Valley Burglary Detectives Brownell or Dunn at 818-374-7730.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call  Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Comments

[Andrew]

This is making me think twice about not answering the door when I don't know who it is. Now instead of having to worry about people breaking in if you answer the door and forcing their way in now you have to also worry about them breaking in if you don't answer. What are people going to think of next to break into houses.

[Erica]

I live in north hollywood and about two months ago I had two guys come to my door. They had their hoods up, looked into my windows and one stood with their back to my house looking down the street while the other knocked on the door. I answered the door and they immediately said they were at the wrong house. They asked if 'Jessica' was home. When they left, I watched them and as soon as they walked down the street passed a tan compact car, it started up and drove away slowly. I'm pretty sure it was connected with them. I'm thankful to the Lord that they just left our home. I was home alone with three small kids.

[Ed O'Shea]

Erica, I'm glad you and your family are ok.

DO NOT open your door to people you do not know! This is exactly how these degenerates get into your house and hurt you and your family.

Ask who it is with a stern voice and advise them your not interested in whatever they are selling, or let them know they have the wrong house. DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR! If they persist after you've advised them your not interested or that they've got the wrong house, advise them you are arming yourself and calling the Police! Then call the Police and advise them of the suspicious activity and request a Police Unit respond to the area. Also alert your neighbors about the incident, and write down any description of the suspects you can.

Also get the telephone number to your local LAPD divisions front desk and have it on posted your refrigerator in case you need to call them for a non-emergency like suspicious activity in the neighborhood.

Vigilance, situational awareness and pro-activity will help keep you and your family safe.