Teens Busted For 'Distraction Thefts' Of Elderly Victims Across LA County

BURBANK, CA — Police in Burbank Thursday announced the arrests of two Los Angeles teens believed responsible for distraction thefts targeting older adults across Los Angeles County.

On Monday, officers responded to a report of a report of a distraction theft, in which a suspect distracts a victim while an accomplice takes their property, and learned two suspects approached a man and stole his necklace using "deception techniques," according to a Burbank Police Department statement.

"Detectives immediately launched an investigation, reviewing surveillance video and utilizing technology to identify the suspect vehicle," police said. "The investigation revealed that the same vehicle had been used in the city of Glendale during several crimes, including a robbery where elderly victims were also targeted."

On Wednesday, Burbank police detectives working with Glendale P.D. counterparts located the suspects as they drove through Glendale.

"Detectives watched as the suspects approached elderly pedestrians and used distraction methods to steal jewelry," police said. "The suspects then entered the city of Burbank, where the female suspect exited the car and forcibly stole a necklace from an elderly woman."

The suspects, a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, were quickly detained by detectives and investigators also tended to the victim, whose neck was hurt during the snatching.

The delinquent duo, whose names were not released because they are juveniles, were booked on suspicion of robbery.

Formal charges were pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The Burbank Police Department reminds residents, particularly seniors, to remain cautious if approached by strangers and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

City News Service