3 Wanted in Robberies of Electronics Stores

Three gunmen are wanted in connection with a series of robberies at Radio Shack and Wherehouse Music stores in the Los Angeles area, police said Tuesday.

Los Angeles police say the men began their robberies Oct. 19 and have hit 30 stores. Surveillance cameras show three men using semiautomatic handguns to rob the shops during business hours. No one has been injured so far.

The suspects are described as 25 to 30 years old with black hair and brown eyes. Police say one suspect is 5-feet-7 and weighs about 200 pounds; another is 5-feet-9 and weighs 160 pounds; and the third is 5-feet-11 and weighs 300 pounds.

They typically burst into the stores and wave their weapons, frightening customers and clerks, and in minutes make off with money and electronic equipment, police said.

Though primarily interested in money, the suspects have also taken merchandise including DVD players, CD players and cellular phones, said LAPD Lt. Jim Grayson.

The men are believed to have robbed 12 Radio Shacks and four Wherehouse Music stores in Los Angeles and others in Alhambra, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Downey, Burbank, South Gate, Chino, La Crescenta and Culver City.

Authorities believe the men may have previously worked at a Radio Shack or Wherehouse.

“They appear to be familiar with the store operations,” Grayson said.

LAPD Det. Tim Williams said the robberies were not a reflection of weak security at the stores. “It’s about opportunity,” he said.

Residents with information on the suspects should call Williams at (213) 485-2511 or (213) 485-3261.