Thieves Spray Best Buy Employees With Mace

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On April 6, at approximately 4:15 p.m. deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriffi’s Department (LASD) West Hollywood Station responded to a call of a burglary at the Best Buy on La Brea in the Gateway Mall located at 7100 Santa Monica Boulevard. Deputies on scene told reporters that, “It was a robbery. This person walked in grabbed two iPads. Loss prevention tried to stop them. They dropped one, picked it back up, and ran out.” According to reports, the suspect involved included a Black female wearing a white top. According to employees, the suspects first attempted to exit through the back door but were unable to get out. The alarms started to sound, and the suspects began to spray the mace. When heading for the front door, the employee made a grab for the iPad, causing the suspect to drop it, and was hit with mace before the suspect’s exit. No further descriptions were given, and the suspects are at large. One Best Buy employee was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Anyone with information can contact West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850. Next door and Niche report that West Hollywood has a higher crime rate than the national average with property crime being a significant issue. The latest data available indicates that there is a 1 in 15 chances of becoming a victim of a crime in West Hollywood, the report states. Neighborhood Scout gives up-to-date information on crime statistics in the area that include safety tips for this area include: -Being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowds. -Keeping valuables out of sight. -Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in less populated areas. -Report anything suspicious to local law enforcement.   By Sharon