Three Colombian citizens are apprehended by authorities for suspected participation in a burglary tourism operation in Southern California.
Three suspects have been apprehended, while one remains elusive.
Three of the four suspects linked to a concealed camera discovered near a Southern California residence in 2021 have been detained by authorities.
The three suspects captured by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department were identified as Colombian nationals: Hames Lopez-Granados, Dany Alejandro Aponte-Abaunza, and Jonathan Sierra-Rincon.
The investigation is ongoing and is working to identify the fourth suspect in this case, officials stated.
A camouflaged hidden camera was discovered in a planter in a Calabasas homeowner's front yard, leading to the arrests.
The Sheriff's Department in Los Angeles County revealed that South American theft groups, consisting mainly of Chilean or Colombian nationals, employ covert techniques such as hiding surveillance devices in natural settings like leaves and bushes.
These criminal organizations move across states, committing burglaries and thefts, despite being on restricted tourist visas, according to officials.
Authorities urged the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious devices.
On September 3rd, the Riverside Sheriff's Special Enforcement Bureau and the Southwest Station Investigation Bureau executed a search warrant in a Los Angeles neighborhood, resulting in the apprehension of three suspects.
Officials stated that all three suspects were arrested at the Cois Byrd Detention Center for conspiracy and burglary offenses.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact lead investigator Angel Gasparini at the Southwest Sheriff's Station at 951-696-3000.
Four Colombian nationals were arrested by Glendale police a week before the discovery of the Calabasas camera, for what they claimed was a "burglary tourism" ring. The suspects are accused of placing cameras in a planter outside of a home, similar to the case in Malibu.
Previously, Glendale Police Chief Manny Cid stated that the arrests underscored the "persistent difficulties" that law enforcement officers encounter in safeguarding the community.
"Although it is frustrating to catch the same suspect for a similar offense, our resolve to safeguard Glendale will not waver. Our officers are committed and will utilize all available resources to combat these crimes and guarantee the security of our residents."
"Under the guise of tourism, thieves from South America enter the U.S. and target affluent neighborhoods for burglaries," police said.
Planet Chronicle Digital's Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.
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