Police Release Composite Images of Deception Burglary Suspect

Police are still looking for the at a home in the 1600 block of Virginia Road at about 6:05 p.m. on March 6.

The elderly couple that was victimized described the suspect to San Marino Police, who have released additional information about the crime and two different composite images of the same suspect, as described by each of the victims. The images and descriptions can be found attached to this article.



The suspect claimed he was a Inspector named John and told the victims who answered the door that the City was conducting an underground utility project, and several trees would need to be removed in the rear yard, said San Marino Police.

The suspect spent about one hour with the victims in the rear yard identifying trees and locations for the underground construction and at one point, led the female victim to the front yard where he forcibly removed a diamond wedding ring from her hand and fled the location on foot and out of sight.

It was later discovered that jewelry and a safe containing jewelry were missing from the home. No injuries were reported.

It is possible a second suspect was involved, but the San Marino Police Department currently has no further information.

Suspect Vehicle

Both victims stated they observed a newer beige/tan sedan vehicle parked on the side of their residence, according to the SMPD. One of the victims stated the suspect got into the front passenger side of the vehicle and the vehicle drove off. No other suspects were observed.

Deception Burglary Trend

Six residential deception burglaries have occurred in West Los Angeles so far this year and the LAPD shared in a community alert flier that the crimes have been committed by a man posing as a city inspector, construction worker, or DWP employee who coerces a resident out of their house while a second individual enters the home and steals property, usually jewelry.

Most times the individual distracting the victim is talking on cell phone or walkie talkie, most likely to the second suspect, the LAPD reported.

See descriptions and composite sketches of the West Los Angeles deception burglary suspects in the flier attached to this article.

LAPD offers these tips to prevent deception burglary:

• Be aware of any unfamiliar individual in your residential neighborhood knocking door to door and attempting to engage you in conversation regarding possible home repair, tree trimming or broken water pipes.
• Always ask an individual identifying themselves as a city or utility worker for identification.
• Call 911 immediately if you suspect a person at your door is fraudulent.

If anyone has information regarding the San Marino incident the SMPD urges you to contact:
Detective S. Franco at (626)300-0726
Fax: (626)300-0727
E-mail: sfranco@smpd.us

Have you seen someone matching either of the descriptions given by the San Marino victims? Have you had anyone come to your door claiming to be a City or utilities worker? Tell us in the comments.