Incidents in South LA, Boyle Heights
Ten to 20 male suspects between 15 and 25 years old were being sought by police in connection with a series of organized retail thefts throughout Boyle Heights and South Los Angeles.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the robberies began on March 3. The suspects enter retail stores during evening hours wearing hooded sweatshirts and face covering, then remove clothing and other items from the businesses without paying.
“In each incident, the suspects have been observed fleeing on bicycles. The suspects have used force and displayed a lack of regard for the safety of witnesses and victims,'' the LAPD said in a recent press statement.
Detectives described the suspects as men and boys between 5 and 6-feet tall, weighing 120 to 250 pounds.
“It is likely that the suspects attend the Los Angeles Unified School District near the target stores,'' police said.
The department released surveillance photos of some of the suspects online, and the department's Organized Retail Crime Taskforce are seeking public assistance.
Anyone with information about the organized retail thefts was urged to contact ORC@lapd.online. Calls during non-business hours or weekends should be directed to (877) 527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
