LAPD investigating 'Bad Santa' break-ins in Studio City

A burglar in Studio City isn't making the "nice list" for Christmas this year.

Wearing a Santa hat and holiday scarf, the suspect was caught on security camera rummaging through a bedroom inside someone's home.

"I have no idea why someone would do that unless they have a weird sense of humor, but that's extra creepy," neighbor Dayna Cousins said.

Police said the burglar has hit several homes near Ventura Blvd. and Whitsett Avenue from late November through early December.

The burglar knocks on the front door and if nobody answers he breaks in through a back door or window.

According to police, he's stolen cash, jewelry, safes and even guns.

"It's disheartening," neighbor, Anuj Goyal, said. "But, I'm not surprised"

That's because some neighbors said they've been dealing with a lot more than just a sneaky Santa.

Several residents have reported an uptick in porch pirates, car break-ins and other crimes.

Neighbors have banded together to strengthen their neighborhood watch and have even considered hiring private security.

"We have a lot more video cameras on houses inside homes," neighbor, Sandor Black said. "We're all sharing video information."

In the meantime, police want neighbors to look out for the thief decked out in his Santa hat, scarf and blue tooth headset.

He's described as a black man, 18 to 25 years old, with a tattoo along his right jaw line.

"It's just bizarre," Black said. "Why somebody would do that and in that outfit, does he want to get caught?"

The burglar is known to escape in a dark sedan while another suspect drives the getaway car.

Anyone with information or can identify the suspect is urged to contact North Hollywood Area Burglary Detectives Stone, Lopez, or Davalos at (818) 754-8377

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