Surveillance video shows burglary at Gardena home; 2 suspects sought

GARDENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Two burglars were recorded on surveillance video as they stole two safes filled with valuables -- including a family member's Purple Heart -- from a home in Gardena, and authorities have asked for the public's help in identifying them.

The incident took place at about 10 a.m. Oct. 18, according to the Gardena Police Department.

The footage shows two men exiting a black vehicle before one of them jumps a wall outside the residence and the other walks through a gate. About two minutes later, the suspect wearing a gray hoodie climbs through a window and his accomplice waits for a side door to open.

Within minutes the men leave with two safes, one of which was rolled out through the front door. The man dressed in all black then runs out carrying the second safe.

The homeowners, who did not want to be publicly identified, told Eyewitness News they had never before been burglarized during their nearly 20 years in the residence.

"We've been devastated. We feel violated that somebody walks into your house and just grabs and takes everything that they want to take and walks away with it," said a man who lives in the home.

"There was a lot of sentimental items in" one of the safes, the homeowner said, "obviously jewelry and valuables. The most important thing -- my father's World War II Purple Heart was in it too. So there are some items that I cannot replace."

Police Lt. Steve Prendergast said the area is not known for "a lot of burglaries."

"So if you see something, say something," he added.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Detective Lopez of the Gardena Police Department at (310) 217-9618.