Introduction to the Incident
Thieves broke into a Los Angeles home owned by Brad Pitt on Wednesday and ransacked the actor’s abode while he was out of town, according to law enforcement sources.
Los Angeles police officials said a break-in at a home occurred around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
At least three suspects scaled the security fence at Pitt’s Los Feliz-area house and smashed a window before entering, making “a real mess” and stealing some items, according to sources not authorized to discuss the case.
Details of the Burglary
Pitt’s possessions were tossed and overturned as the thieves “had gone through looking for what they could take of value,” said one source familiar with the crime.
Pitt is one of the latest celebrities to see their home burglarized. South American theft gangs have plagued upscale areas of L.A. in recent years.
Recent Celebrity Burglaries
In early February, Olivier Giroud, the French striker who plays for Los Angeles FC, had his home targeted and $500,000 worth of jewelry and watches stolen, sources said. On Valentine’s Day, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s home was burglarized.
Pitt’s Midcentury Modern home, dubbed the Steel House, is one of several owned by the movie star. He was in London on Monday night for the European premiere of “F1: The Movie.”
The Larger Issue of Crime Tourism
Last August, the FBI, working with local police, dismantled a multimillion-dollar crime tourism ring that had operated for years in Southern California, facilitating thefts across the country. Their investigation led them to a most unusual hub: a Los Angeles car rental business.
The group directed crime tourists who committed hundreds of thefts across the nation — including in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties — beginning around 2018. The thefts occurred in about 80 cities in California, Colorado, Arizona, New Jersey, Kansas and Illinois and netted about $5.5 million for those charged in the case, according to the indictment. Prosecutors, however, estimated the loss to businesses and homeowners at about $35 million.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Crime
The trend of South American crime groups visiting Southern California for thefts and robberies emerged roughly six years ago, and authorities have been grappling to get it under control.
Conclusion
The burglary at Brad Pitt’s home highlights the ongoing issue of crime in upscale areas of Los Angeles. The incident is part of a larger trend of South American theft gangs targeting celebrity homes in the region. Authorities continue to work to combat this issue and bring those responsible to justice.
FAQs
Q: What happened at Brad Pitt’s home?
A: Thieves broke into Brad Pitt’s Los Angeles home, ransacking the property and stealing some items while he was out of town.
Q: Is this an isolated incident?
A: No, this is part of a larger trend of South American theft gangs targeting celebrity homes in the Los Angeles area.
Q: What are authorities doing to combat this issue?
A: Authorities are working to dismantle crime tourism rings and bring those responsible to justice, but the issue remains an ongoing challenge.
