PACIFIC PALISADES—Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department have arrested two people in connection to a string of burglaries that have occurred throughout the Pacific Palisades region. According to the LAPD blog, West Los Angeles detectives discovered a similarity in the residential burglaries that were happening. In most cases, it was a crime of opportunity, where the suspect gained entry because of an unlocked door or window during the daytime hours.
The first burglary started in August and continued unabated. The first suspect was identified as Jami Burrow, who stole credit cards and was captured on video surveillance using those stolen cards. He was known as a former landscaper in the area and had ties to the community.
Authorities served a search warrant at his residence on September 17, where they recovered stolen property that included serialized items from the aforementioned burglaries. Police also confiscated jewelry, electronics and designer bags that had been stolen. Burrow is believed to be connected to burglaries in the Malibu region as well. He was charged with multiple counts of burglary.
While investigating this case, authorities discovered another group of burglars targeting residents in the Palisades region, who forced open doors and windows when residents were not home. Common items stolen from the homes included jewelry. The suspects were described as male and female African-Americans who used a black Kia sedan with no plates.
On September 13, authorities identified Drew Gipson who entered the residence of a home by wading through a pool that accessed under the house. The resident found Gipson who was forced off the premises, but he had stolen some property from the home. He was seen leaving the area in a black Kia, and left his wallet and some clothes on the premises.
That same day, Gipson was spotted going through a victim’s vehicle in the region. He fled before authorities arrived leaving his vehicle on the scene, which was impounded. When he attempted to pick up his vehicle from the WLA station he was taken into custody. Authorities are currently attempting to link Gipson to other burglaries in the region.
“This exceptional work by the LAPD’s West LA Burglary detectives has made the Pacific Palisades neighborhood safer, and demonstrates to would-be criminals that if you commit burglaries here you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted,” said City Councilmember Mike Bonin. “These arrests are another excellent example of the smart, driven and neighborhood-focused police work that families in LA deserve.”
Officials from the West Los Angeles station are still working to identify all suspects responsible for burglaries in the region, as residents in the region continue to be targeted. WLA’s Commanding Officer, Captain Evangelyn Nathan said, “Our community is our strongest ally; we need all the support in securing your homes and reporting the unusual.”
Anyone with additional information regarding these crimes is urged contact West Los Angeles Area Burglary Detective White at 310-444-1522. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
