West LA police warn of organised burglary ring targeting affluent homes
Police issue alert as burglars use tech to target affluent homes in LA
Police in West Los Angeles are advising residents to remain alert as detectives pursue a suspected organised burglary ring. This group employs Wi-Fi jammers and other advanced methods to steal high-value items from homes in affluent neighbourhoods.
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a community alert to areas such as Bel Air, Holmby Hills, and Pacific Palisades. This follows a recent incident in Sherman Oaks, where a nanny was reportedly held at gunpoint during a home invasion.
Matt Epstein, president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association, expressed concern about the frequent home invasions. “There are burglaries in both high-end and regular homes almost every night,” he said. Epstein, who has lived in Sherman Oaks for 66 years, criticised the current state of Los Angeles, attributing the rise in crime to inadequate prosecution.
LAPD sounding alarm on burglary crew as frightening home break-ins sweep region https://t.co/iYv9XsWvqP
— Sabrina (@SabrinaNC10) September 3, 2024
In the Sherman Oaks case, three suspects allegedly stole thousands of dollars in luxury handbags and jewellery before fleeing to Compton, where they reportedly broke into more homes. The suspects, aged 21 to 24, were eventually arrested and face bail amounts ranging from $225,000 to $2 million on charges of home invasion and residential burglary.
District Attorney George Gascón emphasised the impact of residential home invasions on the community. “Our homes should be sanctuaries where we feel safe,” he stated. Gascón assured the community that his office is committed to prosecuting the perpetrators and working with law enforcement to deliver justice.
LAPD interim Chief Dominic Choi also pledged to continue efforts against residential burglaries. “Arresting these individuals is a step forward, but our work is far from over,” he said.
The LAPD’s alert describes the burglary crew as two to four unidentified, masked males who target homes that appear unoccupied. They often use ladders or drain pipes to access second-story master bedrooms and steal valuables such as jewellery, watches, high-end purses, and cash. The suspects reportedly carry Wi-Fi jammers to disrupt security cameras and use short-range radios to coordinate with getaway drivers.
Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity and consider installing alarms on sliding glass doors and equipping safes with GPS tracking devices. Bill Daly, a former FBI investigator, suggested additional measures such as keeping lights and TVs on and making extra vehicles visible to create the impression that someone is home.
Last week, police arrested 43-year-old Jose Agarde Lopez in Cheviot Hills after a burglary attempt. Lopez, who had been arrested 11 times for burglary, accessed the property using a key from a construction lock box.
Additionally, more than a dozen businesses in the Los Angeles Fashion District were burglarised two weekends ago. Thieves broke into one store and then created holes in walls to access adjacent businesses.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has launched a new hotline for residential burglary cases. Community members with information are encouraged to share tips, which will be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for investigation.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Pride LA reports on a surge in upscale burglaries in West LA, with thieves targeting high-end valuables and homes, prompting a community alert from LAPD.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What’s happening with burglaries in West Los Angeles?
Police are hunting an organized burglary crew targeting upscale neighborhoods using Wi-Fi jammers and sophisticated techniques.
How are burglars breaking into homes?
They use ladders, climb drain pipes, and enter through second-story master bedrooms to steal valuables.
What should residents do to protect their homes?
Report suspicious activity, install alarms on sliding doors, and add GPS tracking to safes.
What is the LAPD doing about the burglary spree?
The LAPD is urging vigilance, sending alerts, and working closely with the District Attorney to hold perpetrators accountable.
How can residents make their homes look occupied?
Keep lights and TVs on, draw curtains, and leave an extra vehicle visible outside.
