The Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release that the suspected thieves wore construction workers’ reflective vests to avoid suspicion as they searched homes in affluent neighborhoods, and that they robbed dozens of homes across Los Angeles County before being arrested red-handed in Studio City.
The group, which the LAPD has dubbed the “Reflector Vest Crew,” targeted more than 30 homes in wealthy areas of West Los Angeles, Studio City and West Hollywood, stealing luxury handbags, jewelry, watches and cash, police allege. The three were arrested during a break-in in Studio City on June 27 and have been charged with multiple burglary counts.
Roderick Dennis, 39, and Munya Jones, 19, of Los Angeles, and Michael Mitchell, 21, of Ontario, were booked into the Van Nuys Jail in the early morning hours of June 28, according to prison records.
To avoid suspicion, police allege the perpetrators would send one man wearing a reflective vest, like a construction worker, to knock on the door, and if no one was home, the rest of the group would enter through the backyard, police said.
Dennis’ girlfriend, 33-year-old Ashley Ellison, was also arrested after police searched her home on July 3, according to inmate records. Police say Ellison is suspected of storing items stolen from the burglary and a car borrowed for the robbery. The search led to the recovery of thousands of dollars in cash, two stolen guns, jewelry appraisals and other evidence, according to the LAPD.
Dennis is being held on $1.37 million bail, Jones and Mitchell were released on bail and Ellison was released on bond.
Police ask the public to provide any information regarding the theft to the Los Angeles Police Department’s North Hollywood Theft Unit at 818-754-8410.