Kidnap Incidents Prompt Warning

In the last four weeks, at least eight men have been abducted from sidewalks in Panorama City, thrown into cars, robbed, and then released a few blocks away, police said Thursday.

There may be many more victims who have not reported the attacks, police said.

“Basically, they force the victim into the back seat, rob them, and drop them off a short distance away,” said Lt. Joseph Eddy of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Division. “We want the public to be aware of this.”

The latest incident took place Tuesday when a man walking on Van Nuys Boulevard in the early evening was accosted and tossed into a late-model white four-door compact by three men, police said. Like others, the victim appeared to be a day laborer.

“They parked their car, then walked back to the victim and accosted him right on the sidewalk,” said Det. Robert Peloquin. “They drove the victim around for maybe 10 minutes, then threw him out.”

Most of the attacks have occurred on Van Nuys Boulevard between Nordhoff and Parthenia streets. The attackers have struck day and night, but most often in the early evening. They have stolen jewelry, clothing and money, police said.

Panorama City is home to several gangs, but police said the kidnappings don’t appear to be part of an organized effort.

“It may well turn out when we catch them that these guys are gang members, but there hasn’t been any evidence of that based on what the victims are saying,” Peloquin said.

Police said the attackers are Latino men, ages 16 to 25, fluent in English and Spanish, with facial piercing and shaved heads. Detectives ask anyone with information to call (818) 756-8291.