Commercial Thefts On The Rise In Canoga Park

WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — Businesses are reporting more thefts, with the culprits often going after employees' purses, wallets, iPads and notebook computers, according to Topanga Division police.

Many of the culprits are targeting businesses along Ventura Boulevard, from Canoga Park to Chatsworth, where they'll distract employees and then swipe their belongings, police said.

Police are recommending that employees such items be put in secure areas when not being used.

There has also been a notable in crease in copper thefts from homes, plumber trucks and suppliers, police reported.

Copper thieves also go after air conditioning units. Police recommend making it more difficult for anyone to have access to air conditioning units by removing ladders, trash bins or other objects that allow a thief to gain access to the roof. Some homeowners and business owners have enclosed their air conditioning units with steel cages.

Thieves are also targeting vacant and foreclosed homes, authorities said. They suggest that neighbors of these types of homes report suspicious activity or cars.

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