On October 31, around 6:30 p.m., just as many local families were heading out to trick-or-treat, something much scarier took place: Â an armed robbery near 9th St. and Rimpau Blvd. in the Brookside neighborhood. After brandishing what was described by police as a “blue steel hand gun” and taking the victim’s property, the suspect fled on food and entered a dark colored sedan.
The good news, however, according to LAPD Senior Lead Officer Hebel Rodriguez this week, is that the vehicle was later detained on a traffic stop, that same night, and the suspects – who, it turns out, were wanted in a total of four other robberies in other neighborhoods, three of them between 6:30 and 7:20 p.m. on Halloween – were identified by their victims and other witnesses.  The stolen property was found in the vehicle and the suspects were arrested.
As we head into the heart of the holiday season this week, Officer Rodriguez reminds all residents that this is a prime season for thefts of property from homes and cars.  He urges all residents to stay vigilant…and to be especially aware of your surroundings when you go out for walks. Leave unnecessary jewelry and money at home when walking (especially in the evening), don’t leave valuables in your cars, and – if you do leave items in your car – make sure they’re not visible to passersby: “HIDE IT, LOCK IT, KEEP IT.”
