A Southern California theft crew that disguised themselves as construction workers was arrested for a series of burglaries targeting upscale neighborhoods.
The suspects were identified by the Los Angeles Police Department as:
- Roderick Dennis, 39, of Los Angeles
- Michael Mitchell, 21, of Ontario
- Munya Jones, 21, of Los Angeles
The suspects, who police call the “Reflector Vest Crew,” are, at times, known for disguising themselves as construction workers by wearing reflective work vests.
From March to June, police said the crew was responsible for a series of burglaries targeting wealthier neighborhoods in Studio City, West Los Angeles and West Hollywood.
A suspect would typically approach a targeted home and knock on the front door. If the home appeared to be empty, the rest of the crew would break into the house from a rear entryway.
During the break-ins, the theft crew would ransack the homes and escape with a large number of valuable items including designer purses, jewelry, watches and cash.
The crew also used several rented vehicles and “sophisticated techniques to prevent detectives from uncovering their identities,” said LAPD.
The suspects are responsible for over 30 residential burglaries so far, police said.
On June 27, the trio was caught and arrested during a burglary in Studio City. All three suspects were charged with multiple counts of residential burglary.
A search warrant led to the arrest of a fourth person, Ashely Ellison, 33. Ellison is a suspect’s girlfriend who had allegedly been renting the cars that were used in the burglaries. Investigators also discovered Ellison had been storing the stolen items at her home on behalf of the crew.
While searching her home, detectives discovered two stolen firearms, jewelry appraisals, thousands of dollars in cash and additional evidence linking the suspects to the burglaries. Ellison was arrested for receiving stolen property.
“Detectives are actively working to identify additional suspects and other crimes potentially
committed by this group,” police said. “The case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.”
Anyone who may be a victim or has additional information on these crimes is asked to call LAPD North Hollywood Burglary Detectives at 818-754-8410. The public can also call the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.