Altadena Burn Area Sees 400% Surge in Residential Burglaries

Surge in Altadena Burglaries

• 🚨 Residential burglaries in the Altadena burn area have surged by over 400% compared to last year.
• 🎯 Thieves are targeting both homes that survived the fires and those filled with debris.

Looter Suppression Efforts

• 🚓 LA County Sheriff deputies are increasing patrols and have formed a looter suppression team to combat the rise in crime.
• ⏱️ Despite initial success in controlling the surge, burglaries are reportedly creeping back up.

Targeting of Properties

• 🏠 Homes off Athens have been burglarized multiple times since the fires.
• 💰 Even destroyed properties are not immune, with burglars looking for copper wire.
• 🎭 Criminals are disguising themselves as legitimate construction workers, wearing vests and hard hats to gain access.

Resident Vigilance and Support

• ⛺ One resident is living in an RV next to his burned-out property to watch over what's left.
• 🤝 Residents can request extra patrols from the Sheriff's Department by opting into a program.

Law Enforcement Successes

• 👮 Deputies recently arrested 15 people in 16 hours.
• ⚖️ One individual was found carrying approximately 500 lbs of metal pipe stolen from properties.
• 🌐 Information on how to request patrols and details about the arrests are available on the foxla.com website.