Task Force Offers Hope for Theft Victims

If you have been the victim of theft, there is a chance your jewelry, electronics or prized possessions may not be lost forever.

More than 11,000 stolen items recovered by a police task force this year can now be claimed by their rightful owners, with authorities urging theft-victims today to examine the property online.

The items were recovered during an operation that began earlier this year into so-called ``fence'' burglaries, in which criminals knowingly buy stolen property for later resale, police said. The task force engaged in extensive surveillance, culminating with the arrests of numerous suspects and the recovery of stolen goods.

Photos of the property are available for viewing on the task force website. Type the words ``fence burglaries'' into the search box and follow the prompts.

The burglaries occurred in Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles Ventura and San Bernardino counties.

If you believe your property is depicted in any of the photographs, you can send an email to lapdvctf@lapd.lacity.org or leave a message at (818) 644-8091.

In your email, include a brief description of the item, the item number written on the yellow tab in the photograph, the name listed as the victim on your burglary report, the report number, the address where the burglary occurred, the date of the crime and a callback number.

 - City News Service