Nearly $20k worth of watches stolen from couple in West Hollywood
Authorities are investigating a strong arm robbery involving a West Hollywood couple who had a pair of watches worth nearly $20,000 stolen from them early Sunday morning.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies were dispatched to the 8800 block of Sunset Boulevard just after 12:45 a.m., where they found a pair of victims who appeared to be under the influence.
During the primary portion of the investigation, deputies detailed that the victims were both "verbally and physically uncooperative."
After some time, the victims then detailed that while they were sitting inside of their Lamborghini, they were approached by several suspects who were driving a black Rolls-Royce. An altercation is said to have occurred, where they demanded money from the victims.
Upon claiming that they had none, the suspects took a Michael Kors watch worth around $1,000 from the woman and a Rolex watch valued at $18,000 from the man - using bodily force.
In a press release, deputies disclosed that the suspects are anywhere from four-to-six Black males wearing black clothing.
The female victim is said to have suffered minor injuries during the altercation.
When the suspects drove away, the vehicle's license plate was obscured in surveillance footage by lights.
This crime is one in a series of brazen acts that have caught Southern California residents off guard in recent months.
Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Sergeant Joanna Warren explained that the individuals pulling off these acts are highly organized, and have started using vehicles that blend in to the areas where they're committing the crimes.
"That way the security guards, parking lot attendants, the managers, they're not going to call in anything suspicious, because it looks like it's the normal crowd that comes to visit these expensive establishments," she continued.
Just over the weekend, authorities were dispatched to multiple attempted robberies in high-end neighborhoods in the Southland, including a hot prowl in a Brentwood gated community and a break-in at a vacant home in Beverly Crest.
There were no arrests made in either of these incidents.
As these type of crimes continue to increase in frequency, residents aren't exactly surprised.
"It makes me really sad, but I'm not entirely surprised," said Maria Neas, who lives near the area where the watches were stolen.
Authorities are preaching vigilance, and reminding citizens to be aware of their surroundings, with LASD deputies noting that robbers are "tempted by money, jewelry, clothing and electronics."
"If I'm gonna be out and about, I'm more hyper-aware," said Ron DiCenzo, another local.
His thoughts were concurred by Ray Espinoza, who said, "You know, everyone here is dressed to impress and you do have to be aware."
"I'm not surprised. We try to carry pepper spray with us, you know it really is necessary, especially as a woman walking around," said Zoe Hazan, who also lives nearby.
Investigators also said to make sure that if you are wearing any expensive jewelry or driving a high-end vehicle to make sure no one is monitoring your movements.
Anyone with any additional information was asked to contact the West Hollywood Station at (310) 855-8850.
