On Jan. 31, Glendale detectives responded to Montrose regarding 28 vehicle burglaries that occurred in the 3000 block of Montrose Avenue and two stolen vehicles in the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. An investigation revealed the suspects entered through an unlocked gate to several multi-unit garages to gain access to vehicles. The suspects smashed the vehicle windows, ransacked the interior and stole various personal items including cash and credit cards. Video surveillance was obtained that captured three suspects entering one of the multi-unit parking garages through an unlocked access way.

While detectives were on scene investigating the thefts, they were advised by a victim that her credit card was used at an Irwindale gas station. Detectives identified the gas station and obtained video surveillance of a suspect pumping gas into a vehicle that was allegedly stolen from an apartment located in the 3900 block of PennsylvaniaAvenue. Using department resources, detectives identified the male suspect as 20–year–old Andrew Cordia of West Covina. Cordia was positively identified by a witness who reportedly witnessed Cordia breaking into a vehicle the night of the thefts. 

Glendale detectives obtained an arrest warrant and Cordia was taken into custody on February 18.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed the following charges:  26 counts of vehicle burglary

4 counts of burglary (parking structure) and 2 counts of vehicle theft.

The case remains under investigation by detectives.

Cordia is scheduled to be back in the Burbank court on April 18. He is being held on a $720,000 bail.

 GPD offers tips on how to avoid car theft and vehicle break-ins:

–         Do not leave valuables in plain view

–         Do not leave windows or sunroof open

–         Do not leave doors unlocked

–         Do not leave keys in the vehicle

–         Do not leave the garage door opener in plain view

–         Do not leave out items with personal information

–         Do not move valuable items to the trunk while in public ​​​view

–         Make sure parking structure doors and gates are locked at ​​​all times

–         Park in well lighted areas if possible

–         Install good quality security cameras

–         Update garage security codes on a regular basis

–         If you are entering a parking structure, take time to look ​​​around and make sure you have not been followed