Police announced two “significant” arrests Wednesday in their investigations into a series of recent burglaries at homes and businesses in the San Fernando Valley.
“About a week and a half ago, there were two significant arrests that were made. The investigations will tell you that these two individuals are well known for burglaries,” Interim Los Angeles Police Department Chief Dominic Choi said during a police commission meeting.
Choi did not identify the suspects but said that they are tied to the string of recent break-ins and are facing charges for suspicion of burglary and robbery involving a firearm.
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A stolen car is used to crash into a smoke shop in Arleta on Aug. 13, 2024. (Ring video provided by shop owner) -
A man is taken into custody after an attempted smoke shot burglary in Arleta on Aug. 13, 2024. (KNN) -
Police investigate a home burglary on Rubio Avenue in Encino on July 24, 2024. (RMG Media) -
A mother and her two children hid from suspects during a home invasion in Encino early Thursday morning. (RMG News) -
A mother and her two children hid from suspects during a home invasion in Encino early Thursday morning. (RMG News) -
Police respond to a break-in at a home on Noeline Avenue in Encino on July 28, 2024. (KNN) -
Yet another Encino residence was broken into on Aug. 5, 2024.
“They were arrested with various things such as costumes, construction outfits, materials to cover their identity, their face,” Choi said.
The LAPD has intensified its crackdown on property crimes due to the crime wave that has left home and business owners throughout the Valley scared, frustrated and often financially damaged.
“We are a community and we’re paying for it. We’re paying for it dearly,” Tekdep CEO David Far said.
In the most recent incident, would-be burglars drove a stolen vehicle into the front of a smoke shop in Arleta only to find the owner and some employees waiting for them inside.
The burglars were chased off after one of the people inside threw a mop wringer at the first suspect to enter the store.
At least one of the burglars was taken into custody after falling in the parking lot while trying to escape.