Full Notification

LAPD Topanga Division is investigating a Distraction Burglary Crew that was caught working in the division, south of Victory Blvd between Fallbrook and Woodlake Avenue. Topanga Officers patrolling the area, due to recent burglaries, conducted a traffic stop of a four door, blue Honda Accord at Woodlake Avenue and Erwin Street. The occupants of the vehicle were detained pending further investigation of unrelated crimes.

Officers’ discovered that the three occupants were involved with a recent distraction burglary that occurred at the 6500 block of Deanwood Avenue in Woodland Hills. Officers’ recovered numerous items of stolen property from the vehicle including money, jewelry, and gold coins.

Officers’ investigation revealed that the Female suspect would contact the homeowner and advise that she is from Animal Regulations looking for Snakes. The Female suspect would distract the homeowner by taking the resident through the house looking for snakes, threatening to fine the resident if they did not cooperate. The two Male suspects would enter the house and remove money, jewelry, and other personal belongings.

The female suspect is described as a heavy set, Female Hispanic, light in complexion with bleach blonde hair, portraying an animal regulations officer. The Female is often seen wearing an ear piece in her ear with a fictitious Animal Regulations ID card that she would show the resident.

Both Males are described as having a dark complexion, and 30-40 years of age. One suspect was described as having a slender build and other a heavy build.

Topanga Division is looking to locate additional Victims or anyone that has information on the suspects. The suspects have possibly been identified on a number of distraction burglaries throughout the San Fernando Valley and other communities in Los Angeles. If anyone has information on the suspect please contact Detective Mayes, assigned LAPD Topanga Division Burglary Unit, at (818) 756-5880.