Los Angeles:
Los Angeles Police Department detectives released video footage of a
man and woman who bypassed a security door to a downtown loft building
and then walked into three different, occupied lofts yesterday, March
31, 2010.
“This
close call is a reminder for all residents to follow security
protocols, like verifying someone’s right to access before granting
them entry,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of detectives for
the Central Police Station. “The most expensive, high-tech system can
be ineffective simply by someone holding a door open for a stranger.
That puts your whole building at risk.”
Such was the case yesterday at the Nabisco Lofts
at
1850 Industrial Street. While workmen fixed pipes outside the
building, a man in his forties and a woman in her thirties approached
the security door. The couple skirted security measures and took
advantage of a resident leaving to enter the building. In the next few
minutes, the intruders walked into three separate lofts only to find
someone present each time. With so many persons alert to their
presence, they left without taking any property.
“This
couple’s actions are consistent with daytime burglars,” Lt. Vernon
said. “Burglars often strike at homes and apartments when 
they expect
people to be at work. They generally want to avoid any personal
contact.”
Police warn residents to lock their doors even when home and check the
peep hole before opening the door. “Had these doors been locked, the
burglars might have knocked to see if someone was home before trying to
bypass the lock. If a resident calls through the door, the burglar
will usually make an excuse and leave.”
Detectives want the public to look at the video and call with any
information if someone recognizes the man, woman or their brown Chevy
Avalanche, which was seen being driven away. The man was described as
bald, nearly 6 feet tall, over 250 pounds and wearing glasses. The
woman was 5 feet 6 inches tall, 180 pounds, with braided hair and
wearing high-top shoes.
Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Mike
Mazzacano, Central Burglary Unit, at 213-972-1231. Anonymous tips can
be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting
274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text
messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be
placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
Video of the burglars and their car can be view at Central Police Station.