LAPD Seeks Armed Robbers Targeting Landscapers, Construction Workers

Police Thursday sought public help in identifying a group of armed robbery suspects who have targeted Hispanic men working as landscapers or in construction in the Panorama City and North Hills area.

The crimes began on Jan. 27 and continued through Saturday and have occurred between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"The suspects approach the victims as they are exiting a financial institution, or check cashing service location, and ask for assistance in moving furniture," according to a police statement.

Once the victims agree to help and enter the suspect's vehicle, they are driven to a residential location, robbed at gunpoint and left stranded, police said.

"The suspects are described as 40- to 50-year-old male Hispanics with brown hair and brown eyes," police said. "They stand 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet tall and weigh approximately 240 to 300 pounds."

The suspect vehicles are described as pick-up trucks or SUVs of various types and colors.

Anyone with information about the bandits was urged to call robbery detectives at the LAPD's Mission Station at (818) 838-9895.