At least six people, including three juveniles tied to a series of high-end optical eyewear and sunglasses burglaries, have been arrested, authorities said.
The burglaries happened between February and July 2025 throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties, said the Los Angeles Police Department.
According to detectives, the suspects used stolen vehicles, usually older SUVs or pickup trucks, to crash through the stores and bypass security measures in the early morning hours. The majority of these stolen vehicles were taken from South Los Angeles neighborhoods hours before the burglaries.
“Once inside, multiple suspects carrying laundry baskets or storage bins quickly stole designer eyewear, handbags, and other merchandise before fleeing in coordinated convoys of follow-up vehicles,” said a statement provided by LAPD.
The reported loss in stolen property was nearly $2.68 million, and $499,000 in property damage.
Investigators worked with several agencies in the operation dubbed “Shade Snatchers” which used surveillance videos and forensic evidence to link the same vehicles and suspects to multiple crime scenes.
Other agencies that worked with LAPD detectives included the Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, Pasadena, Alhambra, Beverly Hills and San Diego police departments “to share case notes, video footage, vehicle data and evidence.”
The ongoing investigation led to at least 10 suspects, including gang members and repeat offenders of property crimes.
The arrested adults were identified as Phillip T. Harris of Bellflower and Orlando D. Neal of Los Angeles, both 37, and Rasheed Reed, 25, of Compton. Three juveniles were also detained. A total of 26 counts of Burglary and Grand Theft were filed. Bail for the suspects ranges from $500,000 to $1,225,000.
Anyone with information regarding these burglaries is urged to call the detectives at 818-754-8377 or 213-486-6940.