LOS ANGELES, CA — Two South Bay man are among five suspected serial burglars arrested in connection with a string of home break-ins across Los Angeles County, and police believe the suspects may be responsible for additional burglaries that have gone unreported.
The burglaries occurred in Tarzana and Woodland Hills in February, though police said the suspects were responsible for burglaries across Los Angeles County, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The suspects broke into the Valley homes by smashing rear sliding glass doors and ransacked the residences, stealing jewelry, designer purses, glasses and clothing, police said.
Detectives with the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division initially identified and arrested two suspects, 21-year-old Manuel Nava of Hawthorne and 22-year-old Michael Lewis of Inglewood.
The investigation subsequently linked Nava and three other suspects to burglaries in Downey, according to the LAPD.
The five people arrested were identified as:
While serving search and arrest warrants, detectives seized evidence believed to be connected to the burglaries, including handheld radios, masks, gloves, Wi-Fi jammers, two vehicles and a cache of firearms and ammunition, police said.
On Wednesday, detectives also released video footage related to the investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by the suspects to come forward.
Anyone with information about the investigation can contact LAPD Detectives Mrakich and Ortega at 213-486-6840.
During weekends and nonbusiness hours, callers can reach the LAPD at 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or at 800-222-8477
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