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Burglars nab $7m from LA rich
20/07/2007 20:53 - (SA)
Los Angeles - Police are searching for a burglary crew that has ripped off more than $7m in jewellery, rare books and cash from the homes of celebrities, sports stars and corporate tycoons.
The crew managed to enter and leave some 50 homes in Los Angeles' wealthiest neighbourhoods without triggering elaborate alarms or leaving fingerprints or DNA evidence, authorities said.
"They target as many people of non-celebrity status as celebrities..." said Lt Ray Lombardo, who is leading the hunt for the burglars. "I hate to call them it but they are professionals."
The thieves have hit mansions in Brentwood, Beverly Hills and the city's so-called Platinum Triangle of Bel-Air, Encino and Holmby Hills - and until recently, left few clues.
Names of victims not released
Police on Thursday distributed images grabbed by a security camera at an Encino estate depicting two muscular men without their masks.
Police described the suspects as 25 to 30 years old and weighing up to 110 kilograms.
So far, detectives are not aware of any of the stolen jewellery - some pieces valued at more than $500 000 - reaching the black market, police said.
Police did not release the names of the victims and declined to say how burglars entered the homes.
The city offered a $50 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the two men.
- AP
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