LAPD issues community alert on ‘follow-home robberies’
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department is alerting residents of an ongoing trend of follow-home robberies.
Suspects have been locating victims before following them and committing the robberies as the victim arrives home or at their business, according to a safety bulletin released by the department’s Robbery-Homicide Division.
Authorities say victims have been followed from places such as the Jewelry District of Los Angeles, nightclubs and high-end restaurants, and along Melrose Avenue.
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In September, numbers from the LAPD showed in the last year, the Wilshire and nearby Hollywood divisions have seen a nearly 75% jump in robberies with guns.
The target of these robberies has been expensive jewelry, including watches and necklaces, as well as expensive purses. Victims have also been targeted based on the type of vehicle they are driving.
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These crimes have occurred throughout the City of Los Angeles as well as neighboring cities.
The following are recommendations for community members:
- Be aware of one's surroundings for anything unusual or out of the ordinary before exiting your car, walking out of a restaurant, store, mall, or club.
- Be cautious of displaying high-value property in public such as purses, watches, and jewelry.
- Record and report suspicious activity to the police (write down suspicious suspect/vehicle descriptions).
- If you are driving and believe you are being followed, dial 911. If possible, drive to the nearest police station.
- If you are being robbed, do not resist the robbery suspects; cooperate and comply with their demands. Be a good witness.
- After a robbery, immediately call the police department by dialing 911. Immediately write down everything you can remember about the crime, suspects and suspect vehicle.
- Do not chase or follow the robbery suspect out of your place of business or home. Leave the job of catching the suspects to the police.
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