The suspected ‘Panty Bandit‘ arrested in Woodland Hills is named Carlos Olivas. Detectives gave him the moniker because he allegedly broke into several lingerie shops and stole a variety of women’s undergarments. Police aren’t sure whether or not the suspect was turning around and selling the lingerie himself or if he was shipping it out of the country.

Olivas was arrested outside Excitement, a lingerie store on Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills. It was the second time in two months that the place had been robbed. Police also believe Olivas is responsible for 10 additional burglaries of similar establishments that had been occurring since January 21 of this year. The spate of burglaries is estimated to have cost retailers upwards of $10,000 in lost revenue. That amount does not take into account the damages that had been done to the stores themselves. According to police, Olivas used sledgehammers to break windows and doors to gain entrance to the establishments. Upon arrest, Olivas was charged with commercial burglary.

Burglary is covered under California Penal Code 459 PC and is described as entering a residence or building with the intention of committing a felony therein. It’s divided into two separate parts: first-degree burglary which deals with entering into residences, and second-degree burglary which deals with entering into any other type of structure (including businesses). Interestingly, to be charged with burglary, one does not need to “break in” to the residence or structure; one simply needs to enter it.

Second-degree burglary is often referred to as commercial burglary because the buildings most often entered into are businesses. The penalties for second-degree burglary will depend on whether or not the crime was charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. For misdemeanors, the possible penalties include summary probation, up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. For felonies, the penalties include formal probation, sixteen months to three years in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval is a California Licensed Bail Bondsman and owner of SCV Bail Bonds. Robin writes blogs and articles to help increase community awareness of the bail industry. If you have questions or want to suggest a topic, email robin@scvbailbonds.com, visit www.scvbailbonds.com or call 661-299-2245.
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval

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