Chilean Nationals Arrested for Irvine Retail Theft Using Stolen Credit Cards and Signal Jammers

Retail Theft Scheme Uncovered

• 🇨🇱 Two Chilean nationals, Pierre Levarious and Tizzy Varrious Bruna, were arrested in Irvine for allegedly using stolen credit cards to fund a shopping spree.
• 🛍️ The suspects allegedly purchased a significant amount of goods at the Irvine Spectrum mall using compromised credit card information.

Modus Operandi: Signal Jamming

• 📡 Investigators believe the suspects utilized a jamming device to steal credit card information from vehicles.
• 🔑 The device may have prevented car doors from locking when victims pressed their key fobs, leaving vehicles vulnerable to theft.
• ⚠️ This method highlights a common trend where suspects target cars parked in proximity to their intended crime locations.

Law Enforcement Response and Recovery

• 🚓 Irvine Police recovered a substantial portion of the merchandise purchased with the stolen cards.
• 📍 License plate readers were instrumental in locating the suspects after they left the Irvine Spectrum, leading to their apprehension in Dana Point.

Warnings and Prevention Tips

• 👂 Car owners are advised to listen for audible confirmation that their vehicle has locked to ensure security.
• 💳 Credit card users are encouraged to activate spending notifications with their providers to immediately detect unauthorized charges, even small ones.