Suspects Impersonating Repairmen Gain Entry into Korea Town Area Homes and Take Valuables

Los Angeles:  Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Olympic Station are asking for the public’s help for information leading to the identification and arrest of a burglary crew targeting Korea town.

Since March 2010, between the early morning and late afternoon hours, two or three suspects posing as City utility workers, plumbers or private contractors have knocked on the front doors of Korea Town area homes and told resident(s) that they were utility workers, plumbers, or repair technicians.  Once permitted inside the home, one of the suspects distracted the resident(s) while the other stole items from inside the home.  

Suspect-1: Male Hispanic between 40 to 50-years-old, with black hair, and brown eyes.  He stands 5’ 5” to 6’ tall and weighs between 180-200 pounds.

Suspect -2: Male Hispanic between 25 to 39 –years-old, with black hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion.  He stands 5’ 5” to 5’ 10” tall and appears to weigh between 180-200 pounds.

The Los Angeles Police Department would like to remind community members that City utility workers wear distinct uniforms and identification.  If approached by persons(s) identifying themselves as repair technicians, plumbers or any other utility worker and there was not a call in for a repair request, ask for identification and do not open your door or permit entry into your residence.  If hesitant, be cautious and call police for assistance.

Anyone with information regarding these burglaries is encouraged to contact Olympic Property Crimes Detectives at 213-382-9370, or 213-382-9440.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.