Police Offer $5K Reward To Catch 3 Calabasas Robbers

CALABASAS, CA – A $5,000 reward is offered for help in finding three men who committed a Calabasas home-invasion robbery fled with more than $200,000 worth of cash, jewelry and other valuables, authorities announced Tuesday. The crime occurred on the afternoon of Aug. 6, when the robbers posed as city workers and forced their way into a residence in the 22500 block of Charlestown Drive, the sheriff's department reported.

"A resident ... heard a knock on the front door," a sheriff's statement said. "When he answered, he was contacted by two men, both wearing orange construction vests, later identified as suspects."

The resident opened the front door and was assaulted by the two men, who bound his hands and feet with zip ties, the sheriff's department reported.

"It was at this time a third male suspect entered the home and the suspects began pillaging the home for valuables," the statement said. "As the suspects continued their foray, the second resident/victim returned home and walked in as the robbery was in progress. The second victim was also assaulted, terrorized, and bound with zip ties by the suspects."

Authorities released surveillance video of the suspects, along with photos of two cars they are believed to have used. The suspects are believed to be part of organized groups of so-called "knock-knock" burglars.

"A lot of times they don't want to confront (victims) with violence; they're trying to target homes that are unoccupied," sheriff's Lt. Charles Calderaro said at a news conference announcing the reward. "These guys were a little more brazen ... a little more aggressive."

The suspects were described as black men in their 20s. One was about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed about 140 pounds; one was about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed about 200 pounds; and one was about 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed about 180 pounds. Two wore reflective vests of the type worn by construction workers.

One car was described as a black 2010-15 BMW 5 or 7 series sedan; the other was described as a dark gray 2015-17 Chevrolet Impala.

The reward was offered by the city of Calabasas for information leading to the identification, arrests and conviction of the suspects. Anyone with information on the case was urged to call (562) 946-7187; or email information to BRTF@lasd.org.

City News Service and Patch staffer Emily Holland contributed to this report; Image via Shutterstock