Several men thought to be responsible for a string of thefts in Hermosa Beach are still at large after their most recent crimes early Friday morning, Hermosa Beach police said.
Just after midnight on Friday, a woman woke up to sounds of two men in her bedroom on the 2800 block of The Strand in Hermosa Beach. They told her they were police officers, but refused to show the victim their law enforcement credentials, according to the Hermosa Beach Police Department.
The two men forced the woman to walk through her house with them as they looked for valuables, before they told her to remove her clothing and forced her into a bathroom, police said.
While she was inside, the two men escaped. Police say they believe the thieves were scared by a neighbor's burglar alarm.
They stole jewelry and cash from the victim, according to Hermosa Beach police.
While that home invasion robbery was underway, a neighbor's house was being broken into as well. The electricity in the neighboring house had been turned off, according to police who believe the burglars may have turned it off, which also may have caused the delayed alarm.
Police say they do not know what was stolen from the second house at this time, but noted that a list was being compiled of things taken from the house.
When the burglary alarm sounded, a witness saw a man wearing all black leave the house, police said.
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Hermosa Beach police said these two crimes may be related to two other burglaries on the 1900 block of The Strand in Hermosa Beach, reported on July 26, in which jewelry, personal items, and a safe were stolen.
Police added that each location was treated as a crime scene, and that they have relevant evidence that could possibly help identify the suspects.
Police describe the thieves as men in their 20s or 30s wearing all black clothing.
If people encounter a law enforcement official who seems questionable, Hermosa Beach police advise them to request to see their credentials, and to call local police or 911 if they aren't convinced.
Residents going away on long vacations are also encouraged to contact local police department officials so officials can conduct "vacation checks."
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Sergeant Dorothy Scheid at 310-318-0330 or email him here.
