LAPD Chief Moore Addresses Spike in Citywide Robberies – NR22081mc

Over the course of this year, the Department has experienced an increase in robberies taking place in various communities in the City of Los Angeles. Most concerning is that there has been an increase in the levels of violence used during these robberies and the frequency in which a firearm was used. During the Board of Police Commission meeting on March 22, 2022, Chief Moore discussed citywide robbery statistics, crime prevention techniques, situational awareness, and mitigation.

Regarding citywide robberies, the City of Los Angeles has been subject to the following statistics:

• Citywide Robberies are up 18 percent Year to Date compared to 2021, and up 5 percent compared to 2020;
• Year to Date, Citywide robberies with a firearm are up 44 percent (+221) compared to 2021, 57 percent (+261) compared to 2020, and up 60 percent (+270) compared to 2019.
• Year to Date, Citywide robberies with a firearm have accounted for 36 percent of all robberies and accounts for 74 percent of the City’s Year to Date total robbery increase.
• South Bureau (227) and 77th Street Area (102) had the most robberies with a firearm.

In light of this increase of armed robberies involving a firearm, the Los Angeles Police Department remind Angelinos of the following:

• Over the last year there has been a marked increase of armed robberies involving victims wearing expensive jewelry while in public. If it is visible, it can be a target.
• Traveling in groups and remaining in well-lit areas can help deter opportunists from attempting a street robbery.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to those around you.
• After shopping, make it a habit to take a different route home and pay attention to vehicles and pedestrians behind you. If you think you are being followed, change your route and call the police.
• In the event a person is approached during a robbery, especially when armed with a firearm, the department encourages victims not to resist. No property is worth the risk of loss of life.

The Los Angeles Police Department is closely tracking the increase in armed robberies, including various suspect and vehicles descriptions of those responsible as well as assigned additional detective and plainclothes personnel to a task force investigating follow home/follow off robberies. Information regarding armed robberies is being shared with our surrounding police departments and the Los Angeles Sheriff Department. Numerous arrests have been made and Federal and State prosecutions are being pursued.

The Department is remains vigilant of the numerous incidents occurring in the City of Los Angeles and urges you to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you have any information regarding individuals who may be responsible for these violent crimes please call LAPD. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.