(Sept. 7, 2003) -- LBPD has recovered property from a series of thefts throughout LB which began in April...and if you were one of the 20+ victims, you can view the property (details below, including owner procedures) on Monday Sept. 8 and Tuesday Sept. 9.

LBPD has arrested four suspects wanted in connection wit the thefts, which included vehicles, lawn/gardening equipment and construction equipment.

LBPD says several thousand dollars in construction and gas powered equipment -- including mowers, edgers, weed whackers and blowers -- were stolen. The suspects would strike in the daytime by targeting gardeners who were busy working on properties. Police say they'd drive up and steal equipment out of the gardener's truck and on numerous occasions would steal the entire truck (sometimes containing large amounts of equipment).

Investigators believe the four suspects, arrested August 28 in Huntington Park, are also responsible for similar thefts in surrounding cities. Over $50,000 in equipment was recovered when the suspects were arrested. Of the 15 trucks that were stolen, 14 were recovered in LB and nearby cities.

The suspects range in age from 20 to 51; two are from Compton, one from Huntington Park, and one from LB.

If you were a victim (or know a victim), LBPD will have all the recovered equipment avaialble to view on Monday Sept. 8 and Tuesday Sept. 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at a warehouse at 1439 Cota Ave. in LB.

Victims need a store receipt or serial number for their equipment, or a copy of any policy agency report filed, a report receipt and/or a specific list of described property.

Anyone with additional information regarding the investigation is asked to contact Detectives Joe Bahash and Mario Razo of the Career Criminal Apprehension Team at (562) 570-7231.