The Culver City Police Department reported this week that on Saturday, July 27 at about 4:15 p.m, officers responded to the report of a robbery that had occurred over an hour prior near Culver Park Drive and Slauson Avenue. The officers quickly contacted the victim.
“Thus far, the investigation indicates that the victim visited an ATM at about 1 p.m. on the 5300 block of Sepulveda Boulevard,” they said in a statement released on social media. “Two suspects followed the victim to the intersection of Culver Park Drive and Slauson Avenue. When the victim exited their vehicle to retrieve an item from the trunk, the two suspects boxed the victim in with their vehicles. Suspect 1 (S/1) exited out of the passenger side of a vehicle, pulled a black semi-automatic gun out, pointed the gun at the victim, and said, ‘Run your pockets.’ Suspect 2 (S/2) approached and stood behind the victim. The suspects reached into the victim’s pockets and took an envelope with cash from the victim’s rear pants pocket. Both suspects returned to their vehicles and drove northbound on Slauson Avenue and out of view. Both suspects are described as males wearing black clothing.”
The police have issued a set of guidelines to the public, to “limit your risk of becoming a victim of this type of crime.”
“Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to anyone observing your activities outside a bank or financial institution; Bank during daylight hours: Do not go alone; bring a companion and visit banking locations that are not isolated; Conceal cash and bank-related items: Store cash discreetly, such as in a purse or wallet, and avoid displaying bank bags or envelopes that may draw attention. Do not count your cash in public; Vary your routine: Criminals often look for patterns, so changing your banking habits is advisable; Secure your vehicle: Ensure that your vehicle is locked, windows are closed, and valuables are not visible, reducing the likelihood of becoming a target; Report suspicious activity: If you notice someone acting suspiciously or believe you are being followed, report it immediately to law enforcement and drive to the nearest police station; Keep your financial activity private: Do not disclose to others your plans for depositing or withdrawing funds.”
$4,360 in cash was taken by two male suspects, both wearing black clothing and carrying a black semi-automatic firearm.
“Investigators are asking anyone who may have information regarding this case to please immediately contact the Culver City Police Department Public Information Officer, Jennifer Atenza, at (310) 253- 6120, email jennifer.atenza@culvercity.org, or contact the Watch Commander at (310) 253-6202.”