A group of Southern California thieves disguised as construction workers have been arrested after committing a series of robberies targeting upscale neighborhoods.
The Los Angeles Police Department identified the suspects as follows:
Roderick Dennis, 39, of Los Angeles; Michael Mitchell, 21, of Ontario; Munya Jones, 21, of Los Angeles
The suspects, whom police are calling the “reflective vest squad,” are known for disguising themselves as construction workers by wearing reflective work vests.
Police said the group committed a series of robberies targeting affluent areas of Studio City, West Los Angeles and West Hollywood between March and June.
The suspects typically approach the target’s home and knock on the front door, and if no one is home, the rest of their allies will enter the house through the back door.
During the break-in, the thieves ransacked the home and made off with numerous valuables, including designer handbags, jewellery, watches and cash.
The suspects, known as the “Reflector Vest Crew,” were arrested in connection with a series of thefts targeting upscale neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County. (Los Angeles Police Department)
The suspects, known as the “Reflector Vest Crew,” were arrested in connection with a series of thefts targeting upscale neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County. (Los Angeles Police Department)
The suspects, known as the “Reflector Vest Crew,” were arrested in connection with a series of thefts targeting upscale neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County. (Los Angeles Police Department)
The suspects, known as the “Reflector Vest Crew,” were arrested in connection with a series of thefts targeting upscale neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County. (Los Angeles Police Department)
The suspects, known as the “Reflector Vest Crew,” were arrested in connection with a series of thefts targeting upscale neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County. (Los Angeles Police Department)
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the group also used multiple rental cars and “employed sophisticated techniques to conceal their identities from detectives.”
Police say the suspects have committed more than 30 residential burglaries so far.
The three were caught during a robbery in Studio City and arrested on June 27. The three suspects were charged with multiple counts of residential burglary.
A search warrant led to the arrest of a fourth suspect, Ashley Ellison, 33, who is the suspect’s girlfriend and is alleged to have rented the car used in the thefts. Investigators also discovered that Ellison was storing stolen property at her home on behalf of the group.
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Investigators searched Ellison’s home and found two stolen firearms, jewelry certificates, thousands of dollars in cash, and additional evidence linking the suspects to the thefts. Ellison was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property.
“Detectives are actively working to identify further suspects and potentially other offences.
“This incident was perpetrated by this group,” police said in a statement. “The case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.”
Anyone who believes they are victims or has additional information regarding these crimes is asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department’s North Hollywood Theft Unit at 818-754-8410. The public can call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can be made by contacting LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.