Theft rings are surveilling homes
Los Angeles County sheriff's officials were warning residents this week to be vigilant for high-tech tactics being employed by burglary rings, following the discovery of hidden camera equipment in a Calabasas flower bed that was likely being used to monitor homeowners' movements.
According to sheriff's officials, a resident found the camera equipment late last week in a flower bed. It was unclear how long the camera had been there, or who placed it there.
“We are asking the community to be vigilant,'' sheriff's officials said in a statement. “While out gardening or if you have someone that maintains your yard, be on the lookout for suspicious devices. If a suspicious device is found, immediately report it to the Malibu/Lost Hills Station–(818) 878-1808–or your local law enforcement.''
Sheriff's officials noted that organized South American Theft Groups–primarily Chilean or Colombian nationals–often employ such high-tech devices as they travel from state to state committing burglaries. Such groups will install cameras then monitor the video feeds to essentially provide surveillance of residents' activities, allowing them to know when a home might be empty and vulnerable to burglary.
The Glendale Police Department recently reported a similar situation, announcing last week the arrest of four Colombian nationals suspected of taking part in a “burglary tourism.'' Police said the suspects were arrested during a traffic stop, and a search of their vehicle turned up a “video surveillance device with a battery pack charging system camouflaged with leaves.''
“This evidence, combined with the finding of freshly disturbed dirt in a planter in the cul-de-sac, led Glendale detectives to believe that the suspects had strategically placed the camera in the planter. This method allowed them to create a sophisticated method to gain a view of residences and know when homeowners would leave," Glendale police said.
Sheriff's officials urged residents to always be vigilant and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity, including usual objects or disturbances in yards or bushes. Residents should also conduct regular inspections of their property and consider installing security measures, such as motion-activated lights or surveillance cameras.
