Vacationing L.A. Times Subscribers Targeted in Burglary Scam

Four people, including a La Verne man, are accused of using a Los Angeles Times list of vacationing subscribers to carry out a series of home burglaries throughout the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County Sheriff's officials said today.

Investigators, including detectives from the Glendora Police Department, teamed to arrest Duane Van Tuinen, 51, of Azusa; Randall Whitmore, 43, of La Verne; Joshua Box, 43, of Arcadia; and Edwin Valentine, 52, of Covina.

Detectives said, Van Tuinen got a copy of the newspaper's vacation lists and passed them on to the others.

Thieves stole valuables from more than 25 residents in the San Gabriel Valley, including Diamond Bar, Walnut and Chino Hills, and shared the profits with Van Tuinen, officials said.

Detective suspect Van Tuinen got the lists through his work as an office machine repairman contracted by distributors of the Los Angeles Times, according to officials.

The investigation led officials to a West Covina storage locker on Thursday where hundreds of stolen items were recovered.

“Although much of the stolen property has been returned to the rightful owners, we are still trying to locate additional victims”, said Detective Jack Jordan of the Major Crimes Bureau in a written statement.

Investigators recovered additional collectible coins, musical instruments, collectible swords, computers and jewelry from the suspects’ homes, and cars.

Any residents who believe their property was stolen as part of this burglary ring can call LASD Detective Jack Jordan at 562-946-7893.