Man Allegedly Used Zoo List to Steal

A 48-year-old Burbank parolee has been arrested for allegedly procuring the names, addresses and phone numbers of at least half a dozen Los Angeles Zoo docents and then breaking into their homes while they were away, Glendale police said Thursday.

Brian Simpson, who was arrested Wednesday, is suspected of committing burglaries between early September and Tuesday, Glendale Police Det. Danny Carver said.

“He would scope out their houses and try to determine who was single and home alone,” Carver said. “As soon as they left the residence, he would break in, taking jewelry, cash, stereo equipment, collectibles and other items.”

The victims, mostly women, are from various places in Los Angeles County, including Glendale, Beverly Hills, Hermosa Beach and North Hollywood. Additional victims are expected to come forward, Carver said.

According to investigators, Simpson, who has no affiliation with the zoo, somehow obtained a list of several hundred zoo docents, generally older retirees who volunteer hosting activities such as tours and classes.

Police believe Simpson used the docent roster, which normally is given only to zoo employees and volunteers, to pick out his victims.

He was arrested after Los Angeles police detectives contacted Glendale police to inform them Simpson was apparently pawning items from recent burglaries.

After a background check, Simpson was determined to be on parole for a conviction on a previous, unrelated residential burglary, Carver said. Glendale police searched his home and recovered several items.

“He had big bags of merchandise,” the detective said.

Simpson is being held at the Glendale jail in lieu of $30,000 bail. Victims or others with information about the burglaries can call Carver at (818) 548-2098.