– High-end residential burglaries
– Wealthy home robberies in South America.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Chilean Burglary Ring Targeting Los Angeles Homes

By Richard Winton
Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — Law enforcement officials in Los Angeles are on high alert as they crack down on a Chilean burglary ring that has been targeting homes across the city. The latest incident involved a 17-year-old fugitive from Chile who was apprehended in the desert around Scottsdale, Arizona, after a dramatic manhunt.

International Heist Ring

Police officers, aided by helicopters and drones, tracked down the teenage suspect who was hiding under a tree. This arrest led to the discovery of a larger criminal operation involving the teenager and his two adult accomplices. The trio confessed to breaking into multiple homes in Los Angeles as part of an international heist ring.

Burglary Tourism

Authorities have noted a concerning trend of “burglary tourism” from South American nations, particularly Chile. Criminals are taking advantage of tourist visas to enter the U.S. without background checks and committing burglaries in affluent neighbourhoods. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton highlighted the increase in crimes tied to these foreign burglary crews, targeting high-end residences with valuable items.

Organized Crime

While Chileans are the most common members of these criminal enterprises, there are reports of involvement from other South American nationals such as Peruvians, Ecuadoreans, and Colombians. A task force has been established by local law enforcement agencies to address the issue and combat organized crime syndicates operating in the region.

Prosecution Efforts

Prosecutors in Orange County have been actively pursuing cases against South American thieves, but face challenges in obtaining criminal histories of Chilean citizens. District Attorney Todd Spitzer has called for tighter visa restrictions to prevent criminals from exploiting the system and entering the country for illicit activities.

Continued Investigations

Investigations have revealed links between the Chilean burglary ring and hundreds of break-ins across Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Diego counties. Authorities are working tirelessly to dismantle these criminal networks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

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– Burglary tourists in South America
– Wealthy homes targeted by burglars.