Residents Warned Of Tattooed Prowler In Mission Hills

MISSION HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Police Wednesday warned residents of a tattooed prowler in the Mission Hills area of the San Fernando Valley.

The Hispanic female suspect, who has a distinct tattoo of stars and a crescent moon next to her left eye, has entered at least two homes since Saturday, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

"She's pretty bold, walking into open garages during the day," said Lt. Paul Vernon. "If she's unchallenged she goes into the home and takes the first thing she sees."

Saturday's incidents took place in the 15400 block of San Jose Street and the 14500 block of Peach Avenue.

When confronted by one resident, the prowler said she was looking for "Leslie," which was a person who lived in the house.  "That tells us the suspect may live in the neighborhood or is casing the homes she hits," Lt. Vernon added.

The prowler may be also connected to a black Ford Explorer, which was seen leaving the area of one burglary.

Authorities said this type of criminal is usually a drug user, looking for valuables to steal, sell or trade to maintain their habit.

The suspect is 5 feet 4 inches tall with a medium to heave build.

CBS2's Jeff Nguyen spoke to Maria Rodriguez of Mission Hills whose home was burglarized.

"I was scared," she said, "I wasn't scared for myself. I was scared for my son."

She was home Sunday around 11 a.m. when the suspect crawled through a bedroom window.

Jose Valenzuela, the victim's husband, cannot believe how brazen the suspect is.

"She had enough time to open a perfume bottle and take it with her," said Valenzuela.

One resident told Nguyen a lot of residents have guns.

"If this girl isn't caught she's going to walk into the wrong house ... It might be a very bad day for her. Somebody should do her a favor and turn her in," said the resident.

Anyone with information should call Det. Sam Issa, Mission Burglary Unit, at (818) 838-9886.