Long Beach police arrested five suspects in connection with one attempted robbery and three robberies, which occurred in the east and west divisions, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
Robbery detectives recognized an increase in incidents over the past few weeks and developed a strategy with the East Patrol, West Patrol and the Gang and Violent Crimes Divisions. Residents were encouraged to report suspicious persons and activity while police focused saturation-patrol efforts throughout the area.
On Dec. 11, around 7:30pm, police responded to the 1700 block of East 2nd Street regarding an attempted armed robbery. One suspect approached the victim, demanded his cellphone and fled on foot. At approximately 8pm, another robbery occurred in the area of 4th Street and Rose Avenue.
The armed suspect approached two victims and demanded their cellphones and cash. During the course of the investigation, two suspects were arrested and the investigation is ongoing. At this time, the suspects are only being described as an adult male resident of Los Angeles and an adult male resident of Bellflower.
On the morning of Dec. 12, Long Beach Gang Enforcement detectives arrested three juveniles for robberies that occurred in the 3900 block of East Broadway on Nov. 23, and a robbery that occurred on Nov. 22 in the area of Division and La Verne. Pursuant to the arrests, detectives executed four search warrants and recovered jewelry, cellphones and additional evidence.
Robbery detectives are in the process of determining if those arrested may be responsible for other incidents that occurred in the area south of 5th Street and east of Alamitos Avenue during the past few weeks.
Those robberies were crimes of opportunity where the suspect spotted a potential victim who was distracted, approached the victim, displayed a handgun, snatched the victim’s cellphone and then fled.
The suspect(s) have been described as male African American(s), ranging in age from teens to mid-twenties and armed with a handgun, which may be a real or replica firearm.
LBPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual(s) responsible and encourages community members to increase their awareness and to diligently practice the following safety tips:
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and the people around you
• Whenever possible, avoid using your IPOD, cell phone, or portable game system while walking in public areas
• Don’t “advertise” that you have valuables in public view (money, jewelry, electronic devices, etc.)
• Be aware of locations and situations, which make you vulnerable to crime, such as dark parking lots, walkways, ATM machines, and alleys
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend – there is safety in numbers
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible
• Walk close to the curb and avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide
• If you feel you are being followed or targeted, move to a well-populated and well-lighted area
• Report suspicious persons or activity by calling 9-1-1
• If you are the victim of a robbery, call 9-1-1 immediately to provide a good description of the suspect(s), the mode of transportation, and direction of travel
Anyone with information regarding the recent robberies is urged to call the LBPD’s Robbery Detail at (562) 570-7464. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit lacrimestoppers.org .
