Armed robbers have been targeting gardeners working in South Los Angeles for the past several weeks, and police hope someone will provide information that will lead to their arrests.
There have been eight armed robberies reported since March 18, the Los Angeles Police Department said. In each case, gardeners have been approached by young men armed with a gun and demanding money.
Police said the men, who appeared to be in their early to mid-20s, may be getting away in a white Mercedes-Benz. They have been working in pairs, police said.
The men should be considered armed and dangerous, police said.
Carlos Valles, a Los Angeles gardener, said his friend was robbed at gunpoint, and the thieves took his van. The van turned up later, but all of the tools were gone.
"It's pretty messed up," Valles said.
Other victims have reported the duo approaching them with a gun and knife, and taking money, jewelry and gardening equipment.
Anyone with information was asked to call LAPD detectives at 310-367-3553 or 323-786-5422.