Woman believed to have burglarized more than 30 places
Local police have arrested a woman who is allegedly responsible for at least three dozen burglaries in Santa Monica and other westside cities.
Orange Eryn Battison, 31, was arrested on Saturday at 3:27 p.m. when Santa Monica Police officers caught her allegedly stealing items out of a residential garage in the 3130 block of Colorado Avenue.
During their investigation, SMPD officers found thousands of dollars worth of merchandise in Battison’s car and a storage unit she had rented in a local storage facility. Police believe all of it was stolen from area residences and businesses.
The 10 foot wide by 11 foot long storage unit was completely full of stolen items that range from stereo equipment to artwork to clothes. The property was taken to SMPD headquarters on Monday.
“We had to get a truck because there was so much property,” said SMPD Lt. Frank Fabrega. “There are at least 35 victims so far.”
“There are at least 35 victims so far.” — — LT. FRANK FABREGA Spokesman, SMPD
The stolen property now sits in the SMPD’s property room where it’s being itemized and matched with recent burglaries.
Preliminary investigation indicates that Battison, who is on parole for an unknown crime, broke into the detached garage on Colorado Avenue. Her vehicle was located a short distance away, full of stolen property taken during other recent burglaries.
Based on their investigation, SMPD detectives served a search warrant at the storage facility in a neighboring city where they were able to identify additional crime victims, mostly from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles. Items also were linked to burglaries in West Hollywood, Hollywood and Culver City.
Generally, police are able to match serial numbers on the items that have been reported stolen. Police also use internal teletypes that describe items that have been stolen recently.
Much of the property are older items that people would typically store in garages. Fabrega said residents should check their garages to see if any of their belongings are missing and report it to the SMPD.
Battison, who claims to be homeless, was taken to the Santa Monica Jail and booked for burglary, possession of methamphetamine and a parole violation. She has no bail.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Sgt. Lowe at (310) 458-8453 or detective Bambrick at (310) 458-8932.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 30, 2003. Read the original PDF.