On Tuesday, six individuals from South America, including some minors, were apprehended in connection with a series of home burglaries that have alarmed communities in California over the past year.
The suspects, identified as 32-year-olds Andres Zarate and Darin Alejandra Acosta Serrano, along with four minors aged 17, face charges of robbery and conspiracy, according to reports.
It’s still uncertain if this group operated independently or was linked to a broader network, as mentioned in reports.
Police Chief Michael Kent emphasized the commitment to community safety in a statement, highlighting that this successful investigation conveys a strong message: crime won’t be tolerated in Irvine. They possess the necessary technology and resources to track down offenders.
Through extensive surveillance and evidence collection, law enforcement pinpointed the suspects, resulting in arrests across various locations, including Bellflower, Huntington Beach, and Los Angeles.
The crew is believed to be involved in over ten residential burglaries in Irvine, but it’s unclear if they are part of a trend where foreign nationals target U.S. homes for break-ins.
Last year saw Chileans targeting areas like Pacific Palisades and East Hollywood, with Colombians also arrested in Burbank, according to reports.
Investigations are ongoing to explore any potential connections to other crimes.
