Six people from South America, including several juveniles, were arrested Tuesday in connection with a string of residential burglaries that police say have unsettled neighborhoods in California over the past year.
The Irvine Police Department said Andres Zarate, 32, Darlyn Alejandra Acosta Serrano, 32, and four additional suspects identified as 17-year-old minors were taken into custody on burglary and conspiracy charges.
Authorities have not determined whether the group was acting as an independent burglary crew or had ties to a broader criminal network, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“We are dedicated to the safety of our community,” Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent said in a statement.
“This successful investigation sends a clear message to all that crime will not be tolerated here. We have the technology, resources, and expertise to find those who commit crimes in Irvine and ensure they are held accountable.”
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Police said investigators used extensive surveillance and evidence collection to identify the suspects, leading to arrests in several locations across Southern California, including Bellflower, Huntington Beach and Los Angeles.
Investigators believe the group is linked to more than 10 home burglaries in Irvine neighborhoods, though police have not said whether the suspects are connected to the so-called “burglary tourism” trend, in which foreign nationals travel to the United States to target residences.
In 2024, Chilean nationals were accused of targeting homes in Pacific Palisades and East Hollywood, while several Colombian nationals were arrested in Burbank last year, according to the Times.
Detectives are continue to investigate to determine if they are linked to any additional crimes.
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