The Los Angeles police are currently investigating numerous break-ins at area shuls in the Hancock Park area. On Tuesday night a burglar cut a hole in the wall of the Los Angeles Kollel and stole a pushka and a becher. On Thursday night the burglar returned to show that he was not scared. (There is a report that a computer was taken.) Congregation Sharrei Tefilla had also reported a break-in some time ago.
Police took fingerprints and are investigating. The Kollel had video cameras set up on Friday and also had a fence installed.
This comes after a string of shul break-ins and the police are working with the Kehilla and have stepped up patrols.
Additionally, this past Friday night at 8:30PM, two men on their way home for shul were held up at gunpoint in the area.
Residents are being asked to be wary of their surroundings at all times and walk in groups at night. Also, the police have asked residents to keep entrance lights and backyard floodlights lit in order to scare way intruders. Detectives from the Hollywood and Wilshire divisions are investigating the break-ins and may have some leads.
Report any suspicious activity immediately to the police by dialing 911.
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4 Responses
“On Thursday night the burglar returned to show that he was not scared.”
How do you know that was his motivation? I think it’s more likely that he returned to pick up whatever he missed the 1st time around.
Does anyone know if computers were taken at the other break-in? There were a stream of similar incidents last year in Michigan, where shul computers were stolen. One fear was that someone planned to use the informaiton in them to target Jews in their homes.
If a person is held up at gunpoint on Leil Shabbos (i.e. Friday Night), can he call 911 immediately as it relates to pikuach nefesh as it may prevent this rosha from attacking another jew.
NonKollelman says.
‘If a person is held up at gunpoint on Leil Shabbos (i.e. Friday Night), can he call 911 immediately as it relates to pikuach nefesh as it may prevent this rosha from attacking another jew.’
I would imagine that it would be allowed however I dont see how this would logically ever happen. You see, when someone is held at gunpoint, he normally wont do anything to IRRITATE the perp for fear of being shot on the spot!