As cargo theft increases nationally, Los Angeles law enforcement has asked for help concerning a series of regional cargo thefts.

On Nov. 3, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division/ Cargo-Hijack Detectives announced it was seeking assistance locating or identifying individuals responsible for San Fernando Valley cargo thefts.

That day, detectives discovered a warehouse containing stolen cargo of consumer goods in the Sun Valley area of the Foothill Division. Detectives arrested a man for the thefts and other suspects were questioned and released.

They also arrested four men in a related case in the Foothill area with a stolen load of cosmetics on Oct. 18. Detectives believe the cases are related and those involved are responsible in at least 19 thefts where truck and trailers have been stolen since July.

They have asked anyone with information about these thefts to call (213) 485-2509 or during non-business hours, (877) LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips may be made to Crimestoppers at (800) 222-8477 or by texting to phone number 274637 using a cell phone. Text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters can also click on “webtips” at www.LAPDOnline.org.

New Jersey-based Verisk Analytics has said that member company CargoNet, a cargo theft prevention and recovery service, has assisted California law enforcement in recovering more than $1 million in stolen cargo.