A residence in the 600 block of North Sierra Bonita Avenue was burglarized on June 8 and the suspects stole property valued at more than $100,000, police said. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Police are investigating a residential burglary on June 8 in the 600 block of North Sierra Bonita Avenue just south of Melrose Avenue in which thieves stole jewelry and handbags valued at more than $100,000.

The residents returned home in the late afternoon and found their home had been burglarized, said Lt. Mark Ro, with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division. The suspects entered the backyard, smashed a window and went inside the residence, Ro said. Authorities located security camera video that shows a suspicious vehicle parked near the home during the afternoon of the burglary, but have not identified any suspects.

“We always encourage cameras. There is video with a car, a white SUV. We are looking for additional video,” Ro added.

The burglary was one of several that occurred last weekend throughout the Wilshire Division, Ro said. He did not have the exact number of incidents, but said it appears a burglary crew may be traveling to different neighborhoods to target homes.

On June 11, a similar burglary was reported in the 300 block of S. Las Palmas Ave. in Hancock Park in which two suspects pried open a gate, entered a backyard and broke into a home. Security cameras captured a suspect ringing the doorbell prior to the burglary and a suspicious vehicle with two men inside waiting out front.

“There are burglary crews out there. They use multiple cars and there are multiple suspects. It’s very difficult to catch up with them,” Ro said.

Police have brought in specialized units to address the burglary crews and are asking the public to be vigilant. Ro recommended home alarms and security systems for homes where residents are away for prolonged periods of time, and said people should watch over their neighbors’ properties. Immediately report any suspicious activity in the neighborhood including people sitting in parked vehicles.

Anyone with information is urged to call Wilshire Division burglary detectives at (213)922-8205, or (213)473-0476. During weekends and off-hours, call the LAPD’s hotline at (877)LAPD247.