Members of a world theft group pled responsible on Tuesday to a sequence of burglaries focusing on properties throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The suspects had been recognized as Laura Espinosa, 26, Kevin Nino, 26, Brayan Taborda, 27, and Johan Zambrano, 37. All 4 members are from Colombia, in keeping with the Ventura County District Legal professional’s Workplace.
A fifth member of the group, John Zambrano, 36, had already been sentenced to 1 12 months in jail and 24 months of formal probation.
Authorities say the thieves are accountable for at the least six completely different burglaries all through Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Simi Valley and Westlake Village.
The group would present up at victims’ properties as a supply individual bringing meals or flowers earlier than ransacking them, officers stated.
In a single occasion, the suspects escaped with over $15,000 in jewellery, watches and designer purses.
Surveillance video confirmed the thieves focused properties from Might to June 2022, officers stated.
A sentencing listening to for the group is scheduled for Feb. 15.
Authorities are noting an increase in thefts from South American crime rings. These theft teams are described as “crime vacationers” involving skilled South American burglars, sometimes from Colombia or Chile, who enter the nation with the intent to rob rich properties or perform massive burglaries, in keeping with The Washington Put up.
Basic tricks to forestall residence burglaries:
-At all times lock doorways when leaving, even when just for a second.
-Good lighting is the No. 1 deterrent for crime, police say, so preserve your entrance porch and exteriors well-lit.
-Preserve an eye fixed out for suspicious folks knocking on doorways. They might be checking whether or not somebody is residence.
-Don’t go away a reputation or ID tag connected to accommodate keys. If misplaced or stolen, thieves can find your house.
-Should you spot a suspicious car, write down the license plate.
-By no means go away a home key hidden outdoors the house.
-Preserve storage doorways locked and closed when not in use.
-Preserve bushes and bushes well-trimmed to stop hiding spots for thieves.
-Should you spot a damaged window or opened door, don’t enter and name the police instantly.
Police are reminding the general public that in the event that they “see one thing, they need to say one thing” by calling 911 for emergencies or calling their native police stations to report any suspicious exercise.