Anaheim Police Seek Serial Hotel Robbers

Turning to the public for help, Anaheim authorities Tuesday released video surveillance tapes and still images of two men who have robbed 41 mid-sized hotels from Fresno to San Diego since March.

The men have hit hotels in 30 cities in nine counties. On seven occasions, they have robbed two hotels in one day.

“In Bakersfield, they actually carted out the safe on a luggage cart,” said Anaheim police Sgt. Rick Martinez.

The most recent robbery occurred Sept. 21 in Anaheim, where the crime spree began. Twelve of the hotels are in Orange County.

The man who appears to take the lead role in the robberies was described as 6 feet to 6 feet 4, heavy-set, with a mustache and goatee and wearing a Dodgers cap. His partner is believed to be in his late teens or early 20s, 5 feet 11 and thin. Both men are believed to be Latino.

The larger man typically walks into the hotel speaking on a cellphone and armed with a revolver. He gets behind the counter by walking around it or by jumping over it, Martinez said.

“In some cases, only one of them enters,” Martinez said.

Authorities wouldn’t say how much was stolen. They also do not know how the men make their getaways. No one has been injured in the robberies. Twenty-six agencies are working on the case, Martinez said.