Burglary Crew Nabs $7 Million In Loot

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ A team of burglars has lifted more than $7 million in jewelry, rare books and cash from dozens of homes in the city's wealthiest neighborhoods, slipping in and out without tripping

Friday, July 20th 2007, 7:26 am

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ A team of burglars has lifted more than $7 million in jewelry, rare books and cash from dozens of homes in the city's wealthiest neighborhoods, slipping in and out without tripping elaborate alarms or leaving so much as a fingerprint behind, authorities say.

Like a plot from ``Ocean's Eleven'' or ``The Italian Job,'' authorities say the thieves appear to be a crew of professionals.

Over the past year, they have hit the homes of celebrities, sports stars and corporate tycoons, plus non-celebrity mansions in Brentwood, Beverly Hills and the ``Platinum Triangle'' of Bel-Air, Encino and Holmby Hills, Lt. Ray Lombardo said Thursday.

And until recently, they've managed to leave few clues for detectives to follow.

One hit at an Encino estate, however, was caught on video.

Police have images grabbed by a security camera showing two muscular men, about 25 to 30 years old, without their masks. The city has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to their arrest.

``These guys are a two-man hillside crime wave. They are quick hit artists,'' said Councilman Jack Weiss. ``They are clearly knowledgeable and sophisticated.''

So far, detectives are not aware of any of the stolen jewelry, valued at more than $500,000, reaching the black market, police said.