Residents on High Alert After Burglars Target Homes in Santa Clarita Valley
Multiple Homes Burglarized in Gated Community in Valencia
In the last week alone, at least three homes inside a gated community in Valencia were burglarized. Neighbors believe their community is being targeted by a South American crime ring and the suspects may even be tracking their every move with drone surveillance.
Drones Spotted Over Homes
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told KTLA’s Ellina Abovian, "A few days ago, we noticed that there were drones flying above our house." Surveillance cameras captured the burglars’ images as they trespassed onto victims’ properties and smashed their way into homes.
Sophisticated Surveillance
"It appears they’re using sophisticated technology to surveil the home to see who’s home and who’s not," the resident said. The burglars’ methods are believed to be part of a larger crime tourism operation, where foreign nationals visit the U.S. to commit theft.
Residents Take Matters into Their Own Hands
Some neighbors decided to follow the drones, which led them to a nearby parking lot outside a La Quinta Inn, where a group of men were spotted. The men reportedly fit the description of the burglars seen in victims’ surveillance images. "There’s five of them who were hanging out together and as soon as they noticed that they were being watched, they all took off and ran in different directions," the resident said.
Uptick in Crime Tourism
The victims suspect the burglars are part of a crime tourism burglary ring from South America. Crime tourism often involves foreign nationals who visit the U.S. with the sole purpose of committing theft. Recently, an uptick in crime tourism has been reported across the Southland and beyond. For example, the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were burglarized in October by what investigators believed was a South American crime ring.
Residents on High Alert
For now, residents in the Valencia community remain frustrated as they’re forced to be on high alert. Some have even hired security patrols to protect their properties while also keeping an eye on their neighbors’ homes. "There have been extra patrols, but it’s just very hard to get anything done with the current crime sprees happening in California," the resident said.
Authorities Investigate
Authorities are aware of the incidents and are investigating the burglaries, but so far, no arrests have been made.
Conclusion
The recent surge in crime tourism has left residents in the Valencia community on high alert. With the use of sophisticated technology and surveillance methods, burglars are targeting homes in the area. Residents are taking matters into their own hands by following drones and hiring security patrols, but more needs to be done to prevent these crimes from happening.
FAQs
Q: What is crime tourism?
A: Crime tourism refers to the act of foreign nationals traveling to a country, such as the United States, with the sole purpose of committing theft or other criminal activity.
Q: How common is crime tourism?
A: Crime tourism is becoming increasingly common, with reports of upticks in crime tourism being reported across the Southland and beyond.
Q: What is being done to combat crime tourism?
A: Law enforcement agencies are aware of the issue and are working to investigate and prosecute those involved in crime tourism. Additionally, some residents are taking matters into their own hands by hiring security patrols and keeping an eye on their neighbors’ homes.
