Residents across several Southern California neighborhoods are on high alert after a disturbing high-tech burglary trend has come to light. According to NBC Los Angeles, thieves are getting sophisticated, hiding cameras in the yards of homes to monitor the properties before breaking in when the opportunity arises. In this article we talk about What High-Tech Home Burglary Trend Sparks in Southern California.
The Hidden Camera Threat
The latest area to be hit by these high-tech burglars is the Lost Hills neighborhood in the Santa Clarita Valley region of LA County. Last Friday, a homeowner discovered a concealed camera and battery pack planted in their flowerbed and turned it over to the Lost Hills Sheriff’s station.
Authorities issued a special bulletin warning the public about these invasive tactics, stating the hidden cameras can be remotely accessed to case homes before burglarizing them when no one is around.
“It’s invasive, it’s scary,” said Jim Spach, a resident of the nearby Saratoga Hills community in Calabasas. Spach and his neighbors are now carefully checking their yards for any suspicious devices after hearing about the trend.
A Widespread Issue
Unfortunately, this high-tech hidden camera burglary method is not isolated to just Lost Hills. Over the past month, similar incidents involving concealed cameras planted in residential yards have occurred in multiple neighborhoods across the region, including Glendale.
In March, Glendale police arrested four Colombian nationals believed to be part of an organized “burglary tourism” ring. These criminal groups, typically made up of Chilean or Colombian visitors traveling on tourist visas, are allegedly surveilling upscale neighborhoods and burglarizing homes.
“Those houses keep being hit nonstop like one a week,” said Glendale resident Tammi Kazazian about the targeted homes in her area.
High-Tech Burglary Tactics
Beyond just planting hidden cameras, law enforcement says these sophisticated theft rings are also utilizing technology like WiFi jammers to disable home security systems and surveillance cameras when they break in, allowing them to go undetected.
The brazen tactics have understandably left many Southern California residents feeling vulnerable. “It just doesn’t make sense that you can’t live in your community and worry that when you come home you can be violated in some respect. That’s wrong,” expressed Kim Spaulding, another Saratoga Hills resident.
Staying Vigilant
As the search continues to identify and apprehend those behind this high-tech burglary trend, authorities are urging homeowners to be extra vigilant about checking their properties and reporting any suspicious activity or devices immediately.
“With technology right now, I am upset but I’m not surprised,” said Spaulding about the disturbing hidden camera burglar method. Many residents are now keeping alarm systems armed and being more diligent about home security measures in response to the threat.
By raising awareness and staying alert, communities hope to shut down these invasive high-tech burglary crews preying on Southern California neighborhoods. Home should be a place of safety, not a target. I sincerely hope you find this “What High-Tech Home Burglary Trend Sparks in Southern California? Find Out Here” article helpful.
Ruby Arora is the lead writer at LosAngelesDailyNews.net, where she brings her extensive expertise in journalism and communications to cover Los Angeles’ vibrant culture and breaking news. Ruby holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and has a track record of delivering insightful and accurate stories. Connect with her on Instagram and YouTube for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.