Police today released surveillance video of knock- knock burglars wanted in at least four crimes in Mar Vista.
In each case, a Black woman in her 20s has posed as a Post Mates delivery service employee and knocked on the door of a home while holding a bag of food, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
“If the resident responds, she announces herself as a ‘Post Mates’ delivery person and says she has their food,” according to a police statement.
When there is no answer, the suspect signals other suspects, usually two Black men also in their 20s, who go to the rear of the home and then enter through an unlocked window or by smashing their way in, police said.
The suspects then proceed to ransack the residence, placing the victims’ personal belongings in bags and pillow cases, before exiting via the front door,” police said. “The female is usually the driver, and they have been seen in various newer model vehicles with paper plates.”
The thieves have made off with jewelry, cash and electronics, police said.
The burglaries — all of which took place between 4 and 8 p.m. — happened:
— in the 3000 block of Stoner Avenue on Friday, Aug. 3;
— the 12000 block of Marine Street on Wednesday, Aug. 29;
— the 12000 block of Clover Avenue on Thursday, Sept. 6; and
— the 3500 block of Grand View Avenue on Friday, Sept. 7.
Detectives with the LAPD’s Pacific Division believe there are numerous other burglaries related to the same crew.
Anyone with information about the burglaries or the suspects was urged to call (310) 482-6363 or (310) 482-6313 to speak with Pacific Division burglary Detective Robyn Salazar.
After hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS or by clicking on “webtips” at lapdonline.org and following the prompts.
