Home Invasion Crooks Posed as Delivery People

Sherman Oaks victims were caught off guard

The holiday season is a time for gift giving, and unfortunately, it's a leading time of the year for scams.

Police are now looking for two suspects who took advantage of the season. A Sherman Oaks couple was victimized Monday by armed robbers posing as delivery men.

"It comes up throughout the entire city at various times, in particular during the holidays," said Officer Ron Carter of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Carter works with Sherman Oaks communities as a senior lead officer.

"In this case, I believe the gentleman heard, 'I have a delivery for you,'" said Carter.

As soon as the homeowner opened the door Monday evening, two men burst inside, one of
them striking the 67-year-old victim on the head, possibly using a gun. They cuffed him with zip ties while they ransacked the house for money and jewelry. The victim's wife hid in a bathroom and called 9-1-1.

It is not yet clear to investigators why the perpetrators selected this home in the middle of an unassuming block of Matilija Avenue.

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This time of year, legitimate deliveries can arrive well past dark. UPS delivers as late as 7 p.m. FedEx can deliver as late as 8 p.m.

Tuesday afternoon, officers returned to the neighborhood to answer a possible burglary call that turned out to be a false alarm. Maybe people were being unusually cautious. Police say that's OK.

"They should all know who their neighbors are and have a telephone tree and an address tree," said Sgt. Jodie McGee of the LAPD's Van Nuys Station.

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