Crime wave overtakes Los Angeles County

Conway Crew, KFI AM 640, Tim Conway Jr. Show (iheart.com); Eds., Wisdom Quarterly

Melrose Ave. (Melrose Place) is in Hollywood

There is a new crime trend in Los Angeles County that is currently on the rise: "follow-home robberies."

The LAPD released a community alert for residents of LA County warning them of these kind of robberies. According to authorities,

• a suspect will usually target a victim that is carrying an expensive purse or jewelry,
• will follow them home or to a business,
• and will rob them.

In many cases, these suspects are targeting their victims using social media.

Who would have thought this pregnant beggar was not who she said she was? (Gloriousa)

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The LAPD released a list of districts that where they have seen an increase of these crimes. Some of the districts listed include Melrose Ave. and the Jewelry District of Los Angeles.

In recent months, Melrose Avenue has seen an immense increase in crime. There has been a spike in store robberies and in some cases, store employees are being held at gunpoint.

A few months ago, diners at a restaurant were robbed at gunpoint while sitting outside eating their meal. Police have increased bike and foot patrols along Melrose Ave. to help prevent crime in the area.

Authorities say that residents should be aware of their surroundings at all times, should not flaunt high-value items in public like jewelry, and if they feel like they are being followed, they should call 911 and go to the nearest police station.

If involved in one of these unfortunate crimes, police say victims should cooperate, comply, and suggest not chasing after the suspects if they are robbed. Victims are urged to contact police ASAP! More