Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division are searching for a group of burglary suspects who have been targeting luxury clothing and accessory stores on Melrose and La Brea avenues.

Police have released a surveillance camer image of a suspect wanted in a series of smash and grab burglaries in the Wilshire Division. (photo courtesy of the LAPD)

Det. Warren Porche, with the Wilshire Division’s Burglary Unit, said the break-ins started at the beginning of October, and four incidents are being attributed to the same burglary crew. The suspects generally strike in the early morning hours between 3 and 4 a.m., and appear to be familiar with their targets. Porche declined to identify all of the stores being targeted at the request of the retailers, but said one burglary occurred at Jack’s Eyeglasses, a store in the 100 block of South La Brea Ave. that specializes in high-end prescription eyeglasses.

“Based on the description and the M.O., I would say it’s the same guys,” Porche said. “They smash a front window and grab as much stuff as they can. They were in there for two or three minutes and cleaned them out. For the four we’ve had, it’s been $145,000 worth of merchandise [stolen] in four weeks.”

Surveillance camera video of the burglary at Jack’s Eyeglasses showed a vehicle pull up in front, and a single suspect exited. The suspect used bolt cutters to cut through a security gate, while other suspects in the car acted as lookouts, Porche said.

Once the hole was finished, the suspect re-entered the vehicle and the car drove away. It returned a few minutes later, and two other suspects got out and opened the gate and smashed the window. They entered the store and stole a large amount of prescription eyeglasses.

“We want people who may be going to work or coming home, or who just may be coming back from a night on the town, to call police if they see anything suspicious,” Porche said. “If they see someone outside a retailer’s store late at night, call the police. [We ask that they] be observant.”

The suspects are described as African American men in their 20 to 30s. They were observed driving a grey or silver SUV.

Porche said investigators are working with detectives in Beverly Hills to determine if the same burglary crew is targeting stores in that area. He said the suspects could potentially strike in any area with high-end retail stores.

Lt. Mike White, with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, said authorities have not experienced a rash of similar burglaries, but added that they occur from “time to time.” He said he would consult with his detectives to determine if any recent crimes may be related to the series in the Wilshire Division.

Porche acknowledged that the burglaries seem to occur sporadically, and he cautioned business owners to be vigilant about security.

“These guys are very brazen,” Porche said. “I expect we will see a lot more of this activity with the holiday season coming up.”

Anyone with information is urged to call (213)922-8273.