Los Angeles has seen a surge in home burglaries in recent months, with thieves brazenly entering homes without hesitation. On Wednesday, May 20th, local officials announced the bust of multiple theft cases linked to an “organized crime group from South America,” leading to the arrest of seven suspects. Authorities have also issued a warning to the public to avoid certain behaviors in their daily lives to prevent being targeted by criminals.
At a press conference, District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated that the seven defendants facing serious charges are accused of involvement in numerous home burglary cases, with connections to a South American criminal group. “It’s crystal clear: if you come here to steal, break into people’s homes, intimidate others, and cause psychological trauma – rest assured, your ultimate destination will be jail. You will be caught, prosecuted, and face the consequences,” Hochman emphasized.
The District Attorney’s office has filed charges against these seven individuals in three separate cases. One of the suspects, 28-year-old Byron Gonzálo Sáez Sotomayor (alias Kevin Diaz), faces 15 counts of first-degree home burglary, 3 counts of attempted first-degree home burglary, and 1 count of significant theft of firearms.
Authorities discovered that Sotomayor is an active member of a South American theft group, involved in at least 25 burglary cases, where stolen items include jewelry, handbags, cash, and firearms. He often targeted multiple residences in one single night, displaying bold and aggressive behavior.
For instance, on May 4th, Sotomayor broke into a home while the owner was present. Upon hearing a loud bang on the glass sliding door, the owner quickly locked themselves in the bathroom and called 911, leading to the suspect’s arrest by the police.
In another case, a suspect posed as a DoorDash delivery driver, leaving a delivery bag at a victim’s doorstep and ringing the doorbell to check for occupants.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna detailed the “sophisticated modus operandi” commonly employed by these thieves, including pre-installing hidden cameras in yards, using Wi-Fi signal jammers to disrupt camera feeds, utilizing disposable phones, conducting on-site reconnaissance, and renting vehicles with fake identities.
During the press conference, Luna showcased a wooden box covered in artificial grass, holding a phone, camera, and spare battery. “If you find any similar items at your neighbor’s or your own home, please report it immediately,” Luna warned. These hidden cameras are typically concealed in shrubbery within yards to monitor the homeowner’s movements.
Luna added, “Organized home burglary groups target affluent communities, often choosing residences near golf courses, parks, hiking trails, and open spaces for easier access and escape.”
Through the investigation of numerous theft and robbery cases, law enforcement has learned that criminals often target victims by scouting social media accounts. Luna reiterates the warning not to flaunt expensive belongings or disclose one’s whereabouts online.
“We ask, ‘Why this victim?’ Some criminals admit to searching on social media… If you showcase luxury watches, cars, designer bags – anything really, you’re likely to become a target for these theft groups,” Luna emphasized, calling it a sad reality. “So, refrain from exposing your possessions and movements online.”
Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell raised another crucial issue during the press conference: theft gangs from South America not only operate in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas of Los Angeles but have also spread to many other cities across the United States.
“I met with several big city police chiefs last week, and the answer was almost unanimous – similar incidents are occurring all over the country,” McDonnell shared. “Many of these individuals exploit 90-day tourist visas, exploiting visa loopholes. If caught, they might post bail and flee back to their home country.”
Hence, law enforcement nationwide is strategically deploying resources to identify crime patterns promptly and disrupt criminal conspiracies.
Luna advised residents to take a series of measures to enhance self and home security, including securing all doors and windows, installing and activating home security systems (preferably wired for interference resistance), setting up lighting and timers, staying in contact with trustworthy neighbors when away, regularly checking for suspicious devices at home, among others.