The Los Angeles Police Department recently established a special task force to combat an increase in robberies targeting wealthy neighborhoods. Los Angeles Times It was reported on Friday.
Authorities are warning residents that “burglary tourism,” in which organized groups from South America enter the United States to rob homes, has increased over the past five years.
“We’re seeing a significant increase in robberies by organized groups from other countries. They’re coming into this country and they’re targeting wealthy residents,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Dominic Choi said Tuesday.
In some cases, they are abusing the tourist visa system, which does not require background checks to enter the country.
Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton told the Times that organized groups have become more active in recent months, even though the overall number of robberies has declined.
“The number of crimes associated with this type of crew is much higher,” he warned. “They often target homes that are connected to open spaces, hiking trails, or canyons that they have access to.”
Hamilton noted that thieves “tend not to carry guns” to avoid additional charges. But he warned that they were bringing in jamming devices to confuse security systems.
South American gangs, primarily from Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, target homes in wealthy neighborhoods and steal jewelry, designer wallets, and other expensive items. The stolen goods are sold for cash, and the robbers repatriate the proceeds.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer (R) says the Chilean government is refusing to provide the U.S. government with criminal records of citizens entering the country using the Electronic Travel Authorization System, even though it is required to do so. He said he is doing so. As a result, he explained, prosecutors have difficulty linking theft cases to organized gang activity, and they often face single theft charges.
The Chilean embassy in Los Angeles did not respond to the Times’ request for comment.
Posted by Irvine Police Department Social media On Saturday, “In the last 35 days, there have been 34 residential burglaries in Irvine. One of the trends we’re seeing is suspects knocking over or disabling cameras. , the suspect climbed to the second floor and gained entry through a window and door.”
Police urged residents to put security film on glass doors and windows, install security systems, and set up lights on timers to make it look like the house is occupied.
Similar robberies linked to organized foreign gangs have been reported in upscale neighborhoods in Arizona, particularly in homes behind laundry facilities and golf courses. KSAZ-TV report.
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