Man robbed of $13,000 Rolex at gunpoint in Culver City

LAPD send warning to public as armed robberies continue to increase across the city

The Los Angeles Police Department is sending a warning to residents, be careful of your surroundings and don't wear flashy jewelry. This as armed robberies continue to increase citywide.

CULVER CITY - Authorities are investigating an armed robbery at a shopping center in Culver City.

It happened Wednesday around 5 p.m. in the parking lot located at 11463 Washington Boulevard.

According to the victim, he was approached by two suspects as he was getting out of his car. That's when one of the suspects pointed a gun at his chest and demanded his Rolex, the victim said. He was punched in the head and the victim's ran away with his watch and cell phone.

Both suspects are described to be in their early 20s, 5'8" tall, weighing between 180 and 210 lbs., and wearing face masks.

The armed robbery happened the same day LAPD Chief Michel Moore reported an increase in armed robberies throughout the area, and warned about wearing expensive jewelry.

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Moore said the public needs to be "vigilant."

"What we're asking the public to do with these crime increases is if they're going to wear expensive jewelry or drive high-end cars, when leaving restaurants, taverns and other locations, they need to be mindful of their surroundings, and be in well lit areas. [We ask that] they recognize there are opportunists that are willing to take advantage of them and many times, these individuals are armed with firearms," said Moore.

Moore said the LAPD is "tracking the increase in armed robberies." Armed robberies are up 44% since last year, the police department reported.

"We're tracking the increase in armed robberies including looking at various suspect and vehicle descriptions of those responsible," he said.

Moore said there is now a task force along with additional detectives assigned to investigate these cases.

"We're gonna remain vigilant on this increase and we just urge everyone to pay attention to this to ensure that they're doing what they can to prevent these instances from occurring," said Moore.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Culver City Police Department at 310-253-6316.

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