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‘Cigarette Bandits’ on the loose in Norwalk, La Mirada

Suspect in "Cigarette Bandit" caper in Norwalk and La Mirada.

Suspect in “Cigarette Bandit” caper in Norwalk and La Mirada.

By Brian Hews

Local law enforcement officials have issued an alert on Wednesday to help find suspects who have been targeting local businesses who have been dubbed the “Cigarette Bandits.”

In a statement, Captain Patrick Maxwell of the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station said that his department during the past few months has been investigating at least two incidents where the same two suspects have broken into businesses and stole large quantities of cigarettes.

Maxwell tells Los Cerritos Community Newspaper and the La Mirada Lamplighter that the suspects have targeted locations in both Norwalk and La Mirada.

The crimes took place between November 14, 2012 and January 6, 2013 at gas stations, liquor stores, and pharmacies.

Maxwell said that “several hundred cartons of cigarettes” have been taken by the robbers.

Suspect  in "Cigarette Bandit" caper in Norwalk and La Mirada.

Suspect in “Cigarette Bandit” caper in Norwalk and La Mirada.

The vehicle involved in the crimes is described as a Dark Gray 4 door Nissan Altima.  Suspect #1 is a Male Hispanic, approx. 30-40 yrs. old, 5’07/150, wearing a beanie/black jacket; and Suspect #2 is a Male Hispanic or White, approx. 45, 5’07/180, balding on top/moustache.

The two suspects have been captured on video surveillance breaking the front glass door of the businesses and walking behind the counter and stealing several hundred cartons of cigarettes.

Within the Norwalk Sheriff’s jurisdiction, there have been several similar burglaries between November 14th and January 6, 2013 where these same two “Cigarette Bandits” are suspected of entering business and stealing large amount of cigarettes.

They are believed to be local to the area and we are sure that someone will recognize them.

cigaretteThe suspects may be responsible for several other burglaries in LA and Orange Counties where cigarettes were stolen. Please take a good look at the attached photos.

Maxwell wants to alert residents that if you recognize either of these two suspects, please call the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station at 562-863-8711 or contact the Detective Rincon, at (562)466-5444 or Detective Morris, (562)902-2976.   Both of these detectives are working on these cases.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

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