Los Angeles robberies involving firearms up 44% and are becoming more violent, police chief says
Robberies in Los Angeles involving a firearm have increased 44% this year, the city’s top cop said Tuesday, who noted that authorities are seeing an increase in the level of violence used during such crimes and that those wearing expensive jewelry could be targeted by thieves.
The message from LAPD Chief Michel Moore confirmed what many residents and business owners already suspected amid a crime surge and uptick in robberies in general.
“There’s been a marked increase of armed robberies involving victims wearing expensive jewelry, as well as just other individuals whether they’re at commercial stores such as mini markets, convenience stores, gas stations, or on the street,” Moore said in an LAPD bulletin. “Most concerning is that there has been an increase in the levels of violence used during these robberies and the frequency in which a firearm was used.”
Citywide, robberies have increased nearly 18%, according to Los Angeles Police Department data. – READ MORE
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