A series of home burglaries in Silver Lake and East Hollywood continues to spread, with police saying the break-ins are becoming increasingly sexual in nature.
Following a series of home invasions early Saturday — including one in which a woman was attacked in her bedroom and sexually assaulted — authorities say the same suspect broke into another nearby home Tuesday and searched a woman's underwear.
Los Angeles police detectives believe the robberies are related and that the suspect is a sexual predator, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the case but not authorized to speak publicly.
Tuesday's incident comes on the heels of a series of burglaries over the weekend that police described as “hot burglaries,” meaning the home invasions occurred while residents were inside.
At least three robberies were reported between 3 and 10 a.m. Saturday, all in nearby areas. One occurred in the 1100 block of Sanborn Avenue, another in the 1200 block of Manzanita and the third in the 4600 block of Prospect Avenue. The latest incident occurred in the 1100 block of New Hampshire Avenue.
During one of the weekend robberies, a woman was attacked in the bedroom of the home where she was sleeping, said Los Angeles Police Department Officer Lillian Carranza.
The incidents prompted a warning from the Los Angeles Police Department: “Residents are advised to turn on all exterior lights, close all windows and doors, and be on the lookout for any suspicious persons or vehicles.”
Police have described the suspect as a man between 20 and 35 years old, approximately 1.78 metres tall with a slim build. He was last seen wearing dark track pants, black trainers with a white logo, a dark sweatshirt or jacket and a dark hat.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Theodore Bridges at (323) 561-3465 or (877) 527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call (800) 222-8477 or go online to lacrimestoppers.org.
