Resident on Westbourne Drive Warns of Multiple Break-ins at Parking Storage Units

A West Hollywood resident who lives on the southside of Santa Monica Boulevard, on Westbourne Drive, is alerting the community that thieves are targeting parking storage units in apartment complexes around the area. His storage unit was broken into twice in a month’s span.

The most recent incident happened this past Friday, March 11. It is not yet clear if the same individual targeted the same unit twice. Shared video footage captured two occasions where a person was seen breaking into and stealing personal items from the same storage unit.

Ryan N. alleges his storage unit was first broken into a month ago on February 11, at 6:23am. Among the items that were stolen were some computer hard drives containing personal data, an old laptop, a sleeping bag, and he says possibly other items that he’s not yet aware are missing.

The manager of his building informed residents that he noticed shoe prints on the hoods of cars last month. It appeared someone stepped on these cars to look over the storage spaces in search of valuable items. Ryan’s unit was broken into shortly after. The apartment building where he lives is not gated.

In response to the first incident, Ryan placed a wireless doorbell camera in his parking space and aimed it at his storage unit. “In case he returned and for future protection,” he said.

At 9:22 p.m. this past Friday, his camera alerted his phone that motion was detected. He saw a man in the video grab the camera and look right into it. “From the app on my phone, I was able to talk to him from the device,” he said. “I asked him to put it down, but he took off running with it. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize he was on the run until it was too late and I didn’t get to see which way he went.”

Neighbors provided surveillance footage that captured the first theft in February where a man is seen using a cart to move stolen items to his car.

The West Hollywood Sheriffs were called on both occasions and reports were filed. Photos and footage were submitted with the reports. Ryan says a deputy informed him that there have been several similar break-ins reported in the area recently.

If you see something, say something. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. If you see something, say something. Anyone with information can also drop a tip at https://www.lacrimestoppers.org.