A residential break-in on Easter Sunday in Irvine, California has led to the arrest of five people that police say are part of a transnational organized burglary crew.
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Police say they have been able to link the members, who have ties to Colombia, to other burglaries throughout Southern California.
Security camera footage released shows them posing as Amazon delivery and food delivery drivers and knocking or ringing the doorbell before entering. Police told KTLA 5 the burglars were trying to blend in to the communities they were targeting.
Now the five suspects are charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and narcotics possession.
If you’re worried about thieves gaining access to your home by adopting these or other tactics, there are a few things you can do to protect your property.
The operation
On April 20, a resident in Irvine reported that his surveillance cameras showed multiple people unknown to him in his home while he was away. The people were dressed as Amazon delivery drivers. By the time the police arrived, the burglars had already left, taking with them designer purses, shoes and jewelry.
However, an officer spotted a suspicious vehicle leaving the area and stopped it. The driver, Jhon Osorioarias, a 24-year-old Fontana resident, said he was delivering food to a customer, but he could not provide the address where he delivered it. Police found suspicious items in the vehicle, and he was arrested for being unlicensed.
After an “exhaustive investigation” of Osorioarias, they determined he was part of an organized burglary crew and identified his associates as well.
With the help of the department’s drone team, the investigators were able to coordinate a successful operation that culminated in the arrests of the five suspects in May.
“The investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be added as detectives sort through the evidence,” the police said in the press release.
According to KTLA 5, police said hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stolen property has been recovered from the suspects, including cash, jewelry, designed handbags and four guns, and they are in the process of tracing the owners.
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How to protect your home from break-ins
The good news is data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reveals reports of burglaries have fallen sharply since 2011.
The agency says that residential properties account for most burglaries, and in 2019, the average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,661.
To protect yourself from this crime, you can take some simple precautions.
A survey of victims in Charlotte revealed that most burglaries happen during the day, between noon and 4 pm. This is prime time for most individuals to be out of the home, whether they’re working or running errands. So even if you’re just taking a quick trip to the store, be sure to lock all your doors and windows, and enable your security system during these hours. Also be extra-aware of potential burglars posing as delivery drivers around your neighborhood and scouting homes to hit.
Cameras and security systems are more accessible than ever, and can help to deter thieves who may try to enter your home. One study by the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) in Newark found that “installed burglar alarm makes a dwelling less attractive to the would-be and active intruders and protects the home without displacing burglaries to nearby homes.”
Clear signage, as provided by your security company, and a camera placed in a prominent location near your front door can be enough to scare away anyone attempting to enter your home.
The Justice Department has found that renters are more likely to be the targets of theft than those who own their homes. In 2011, the rate of completed burglary was 18.3 per 1,000 households that owned the property and 32.7 per 1,000 households that rented.
“If you’re a renter, you’re at high risk for a home break-in,” says Safewise. “Read your lease and talk to your landlord about any security concerns you have. Ask if you can upgrade the lock in your apartment, or add a compact all-in-one security system like the Abode Iota or Canary.”
Finally, it’s critical to have either renters or homeowners insurance. In the case of a break-in, your landlord or property management company is not liable for any damages or items stolen.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
