Burglars disguised as construction workers in safety vests arrested in North Hollywood – NBC Los Angeles

Members of a gang of burglars disguised themselves as construction workers in Los Angeles may have swapped their hard hats for handcuffs.

The group, known as the “Reflector Vest Crew,” was arrested in a joint operation by detectives from the North Hollywood Division and the LA County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday.

The arrests were made on June 27 and July 3 following extensive investigations into a series of residential burglaries in affluent Los Angeles neighborhoods, Studio City, West Los Angeles and West Hollywood between March and June 2024.

Their typical tactic was to send a member in a high-visibility vest to doors to find out, without arousing much suspicion, whether the houses were occupied before other suspects proceeded with the burglary.

The group’s focus was allegedly on stealing luxury items such as high-end handbags, jewelry, watches and cash.

“The defendants used multiple rented vehicles and sophisticated techniques to prevent investigators from uncovering their identities,” the LAPD said in a statement.

Investigators finally caught the suspects during a burglary in Studio City on June 27.

The three main suspects were identified as Roderick Dennis (39) of Los Angeles, Michael Mitchell (21) of Ontario and Munya Jones (21) of Los Angeles.

In another development on July 3, authorities executed a search warrant that led to the arrest of Ashley Ellison, 33, the girlfriend of defendant Roderick Dennis.

Ellison was accused of renting vehicles used in the burglaries and storing stolen items in her apartment.

The search uncovered thousands of dollars, two stolen firearms, jewelry, and other evidence linking the suspects to the crimes.

All three male suspects have been charged with multiple counts of burglary, while Ellison is charged with receiving stolen goods.

The LAPD is urging the public to come forward with any additional information regarding these burglaries as detectives are currently working to identify additional possible suspects and victims.