Police Seek Public's Help In Finding Suspects Using Unknown Devices To Burglarize Vehicles

LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Police are asking for the public's help Wednesday in identifying three suspects who allegedly involved in a series of auto burglaries.

The Long Beach Police Department released security video of the three suspects in an East Long Beach neighborhood on Feb. 26 using unknown small handheld devices to gain keyless entry in the vehicles.

Seven vehicles in the neighborhood were burglarized that night, according to police.

"The LBPD's Auto Theft Detail has been working with law enforcement agencies throughout the nation and internationally, as well as vehicle manufacturers, attempting to identify the type of technology that is being used," police said in a statement.

The Long Beach Police Department reminds residents to call 911 if they see suspicious activity in their neighborhood, and also encourages the community to install motion sensor lighting around homes, remove all valuables from vehicles and consider installing surveillance cameras.

"This is a situation where technology is working against us, making our job much more challenging at a time where resources are already strained," Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. "Just as law enforcement tactics evolve, so does the criminal element's and we need the community's involvement more so than ever."

Anyone with information about the suspects or the burglaries is asked to contact LBPD Auto Theft Det. Joseph Starbird at (562)570-7362. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.