Public's Help Sought In Search For Fairfax District Burglary Suspects

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police are seeking the public's help in their search for two burglary suspects caught targeting an apartment building in the Fairfax District last month.

LAPD officers say surveillance video shows a male and female suspect breaking into an apartment building on Wetherly Drive near Doheny Drive and going through the mailboxes around 3 a.m. May 11.

The suspects are then seen going into the building's garage and breaking into unlocked vehicles, investigators say.

Investigators fear more people may have been victimized, possibly residents of other buildings, and warn people to be vigilant about protecting their identities.

"They leave [belongings] in plain sight, because they trust the neighborhood, they trust the fact that, you know, they live in such a nice area they won't be victimized. But the suspects prey on that," LAPD spokesperson Tony Im warned.

"In this instance, the suspects went through the mail so I'm concerned about identity theft," he said.

Investigators ask that anyone who may have information about the suspects or the burglary to contact the LAPD.

CBS2's Joy Benedict spoke to neighbors who are on alert.

"We moved this neighborhood for reasons of safety," said Emily Evans.

She has lived on this block for two years. She was shocked to find the building next door was burglarized and told Benedict she will start to rethink some of her trusting habits.

"I have left my door unlocked," she says, "I leave my wallet in the car, my husband's on my case."

Investigators want to remind the public to lock up even if they live in a so-called nice area or gated garage.

Officials also remind people to check their mail every day and look at all bills closely and to change passwords from time to time.

"Crime is a very big problem in every neighborhood," Im said.