Knock Knock, Who's There? No One? OK, Now We Break In

Los Angeles police in the western San Fernando Valley warned people about a knock-knock burglary crew believed responsible for about 30 daytime break-ins over the past two weeks.

Detectives assigned to the Topanga Station believe a group of two to five people, 18-25 years old, are responsible for the crimes but have yet to identify them. Police said they may be using a white or silver Chevrolet Equinox with a paper license plate.

Their mode of operation is to persistently knock on the front door and, if no one answers, break-in through a back door or a window that cannot be seen from the street, police said. They typically strike between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. when most people are working.

“In one day, they hit five times,” Capt. Jorge Rodriguez told NBC4.

Jewelry, cash and other valuables that can be carried away easily have been taken, police said.

If someone answers the door, the suspects say they must have the wrong house or offer some other excuse and leave.

The Topanga patrol area covers the communities of Canoga Park, West Hills, Winnetka and Woodland Hills, among others.

--City News Service