By Mary O’KEEFE

Two home invasion robberies that occurred last week, one in La Crescenta and the other in La Cañada Flintridge, have law enforcement officials reminding residents to lock their doors and if they see something, say something.

The first robbery occurred on Wednesday, June 4 at about 10:30 p.m. in the 2900 block of Los Olivos Lane in La Crescenta. A 38-year-old male resident was asleep in his home when he awoke to two men attempting to tie him up, said Lt. Elizabeth Sachs, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. Crescenta Valley Station.

“The two suspects took turns holding the victim at gunpoint while the other ransacked his home,” Sachs said.

The suspects fled with cash, jewelry and electronics. The victim was unharmed but remained tied up when the suspects left. The victim made his way over to a neighbor’s home to get help. The neighbors, however, were unaware of the incident and called 911 to report a trespasser at their home.

The suspects in this case were described as two black men, both in their 20s. One suspect was 6’3” tall and weighed about 200 pounds. The other suspect was described as being of medium build.

The next day, Thursday June 5 at about 10 p.m., a home invasion occurred at a home in the 5000 block of Jarvis Avenue in La Cañada Flintridge.

This time the victims were an elderly couple. The two armed men entered the home and demanded, and received, money and property. The suspects fled leaving the victims unharmed.

The LASD Major Crimes is  investigating both incidents. LASD did not release a description of the suspects in the La Cañada robbery.

“Lock your doors,” advised Sgt. Galbraith, LASD, CV Station. He added for residents to know their neighbors and if they leave for vacation to call the station to let the deputies know and they will patrol the neighborhood.

“Motion protection lights are a good idea,” added Tahnee Lightfoot, Glendale Police Dept. spokeswoman.

In the past, suspects have walked up to residents’ doors and knocked. If the person is home, the suspects will often make up a story about looking for someone in the area or even tell the resident they are selling items door-to-door. If the resident is not home or does not answer the door, the suspect or suspects think no one is home and will usually find entry through the back of the home.

“If you see a suspicious vehicle in [your neighborhood], write down the license number,” Lightfoot said.

GPD community police Officer Abe Chung sent out information on ways to protect, deter, prevent or make it harder to be a victim of this type of crime.

“Lock your doors and windows when you are not home and at night when you are going to sleep,” Chung stated. “Have your cellphone or home phone with you or nearby when you are going to bed. Another useful suggestion is (if you have) a key fob alarm to your vehicle, [keep] it by your nightstand and press the panic button … to alert any neighbors.”

Sheriffs and GPD remind people not to be afraid or timid about calling local law enforcement if they see something suspicious.

Residents are invited to a Neighborhood Watch meeting conducted by GPD officers and detectives from the Robbery Division at St. James the Less, 4625 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta tonight, Thursday at 7 p.m. All residents in the area, both Glendale and La Crescenta, are invited to attend.

If anyone sees anything suspicious, dial 911 for immediate help or (818) 248-3464 for the CV Sheriff’s Dept. or (818) 548-4911 for GPD.

Anyone with information regarding the two home invasion incidents is encouraged to contact the tip info email at MCBTIPS@lasd.org.

  Mary Okeefe