Distraction Burglar Alert From the LAPD: Female Operatives

Los Angeles police are warning residents in the Encino-Sherman Oaks-Van Nuys  area to be aware of of "distraction burglaries" being committed by two women. Police say the women have three times used a ruse to get into the homes of elderly persons – one woman, who is pregnant, knocks on the door and requests help with a broken down vehicle.

When the women have been allowed inside the homes, one woman has distracted the residents while the other has stolen cash and jewelry.

 The women have been described as about 20 to 25 years old, and either Hispanic or Middle Eastern. One is heavyset, the other pregnant. The women reportedly spoke a foreign language between themselves which was not Spanish. In one case they incorporated an infant they called “Star” as part of their ruse, police said.

Police are asking that elderly neighbors who may not have access to notices such as this one on the Internet be informed about how the women operate.

Anyone with information about the women can call Los Angeles Police Department Detective Dunn at 818-374-7769.