Police nabbed two alleged burglars who — operating independently of each other — committed a string of thefts in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and West Los Angeles, authorities announced Friday.
One suspect, 48-year-old Jami Lynn Burrows, was arrested about 9 a.m. Sept. 17 by detectives from the LAPD’s West Los Angeles Division, according to L.A. County Jail records.
Burrows, a former landscaper, is accused of stealing credit cards from a number of houses in Pacific Palisades and Malibu and was allegedly caught on video tape inside a store trying to use the stolen cards, according to the LAPD.
The day Burrows was jailed, detectives served a search warrant at her home and allegedly recovered stolen property that included jewelry, electronics, designer bags and some serialized property, according to police.
Burrows is being held in Van Nuys jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. She is scheduled to go LAX Superior Court on Oct. 8 to face burglary charges, according to jail records.
The other suspect was identified as 23-year-old Drew Gipson, who was nabbed by police on Monday and is currently being held in lieu of $70,000 bail.
According to the LAPD, Gipson was allegedly part of a burglary crew of about 20 men and women using a black Kia sedan with no plates, who have been burgling homes in West Los Angeles and Pacific Palisades. This all-black crew allegedly forced open doors and windows when their victims were away from home, according to police.
Gipson came to the attention of West L.A. detectives on Sept. 13 after he entered a home by way of a wading pool that flowed under the house, according to police. Gipson was spotted by a resident who escorted him off the property. That person later discovered that some items from the home were missing.
Gipson was last seen leaving the location in a black Kia. But, police said, he left his wallet and some clothes at the home that was robbed. Later that day Gipson was allegedly seen rummaging through someone else’s car. He fled before police arrived but he left his car behind. That car was then impounded by police.
When Gipson went to West L.A. station to try and get his Kia out of the impound lot, he was arrested and booked for burglary, according to police. He is also scheduled to go to LAX Superior Court on Oct. 8 for arraignment.
The burglars often gained entry through unlocked doors and windows during daytime hours.
Anyone with information about the cases was asked to call LAPD West L.A. Detective White at (310) 444-1522. Tipsters may also call the 24-hour tipline at (877) LAPD-24-7. All tips may be made anonymously.
