Southern California residents are reeling after burglary sprees hit homes in two LA County neighborhoods, including one burglar who targeted nearly a dozen homes in just five hours.
One burglar in Studio City broke in to 11 homes between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday on seven different streets between Laurel Canyon and Ventura boulevards, police said.
The man, who was caught on surveillance video outside the homes, got inside by forcing open doors or smashing windows and made off with jewelry, watches, computers and other items, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
"It's very brazen. It is a quiet neighborhood," burglary victim Ken Netz said. "Since I work from home and I sit in my office, I can see the traffic. I see random cars come by but it's rare."
Two residents were at home at the time of the crime and one confronted the thief before he ran away, police said.
The Studio City burglar is white or Hispanic, 6 feet tall, weighing about 220 pounds, with light hair and dark eyes. He wore glasses with thick black frames and a black coat and drove a green Mazda 3 sedan with "CARMAX" paper plates.
Meanwhile in Monterey park, at least 14 burglaries have hit the community in less than two months, and over 60 since last August, officials said.
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Residents believe a couple has been ringing doorbells and knocking on doors to find out if anyone is home. If no one responds, the burglars try to find an unlocked window or smash a window, police said.
They've swiped electronics, jewelry and cash with many break-ins happening between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
"It alarms you because you hear it in other places but not in your own area you know is really safe," one neighbor said.
"We are a quiet little community, kind of a hidden gem from everybody," resident Larry Sullivan said. "This is the first time we've ever had a real issue like this, and it's kind of eye-opening."
Police advise residents to lock doors, put signs out, get to know the neighbors and look into neighborhood watch programs.
Anyone with information about the Studio City burglaries should call detectives Joseph Hampton or Noah Stone of the LAPD's North Hollywood Station at 818-754-8381 or 818-754-8377. Anonymous tips may be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
Monterey Park tipsters can call Monterey Park police at 626-307-1200.
