Police arrested four members of an international organization suspected of “stealing tourism” following a traffic stop in Glendale on Monday.
The recording device and battery pack were recovered by police. Glendale Police Department
The Glendale Police Department said in a statement that the four men, all Colombian nationals, were spotted by police near the intersection of Emerald Isle Drive and Kirkham Drive in a car being driven without its headlights on. He was arrested around 10:30 p.m.
When officers searched the vehicle, they found “video surveillance equipment with a battery pack charging system disguised with foliage,” the statement said.
“This evidence, and the fact that the soil found in the cul-de-sac planter had just been dug up, led Glendale detectives to believe the suspect had strategically placed cameras in the planter,” the statement continued. . “This method allowed the suspect to create a sophisticated way to see the home and know when the homeowner was leaving.”
Police said they also found multiple jewelry boxes, construction helmets and vests, which they said are traditionally used as tactics to approach homes without arousing suspicion.
Detectives identified the suspects as Jose Antonio Velazquez, 28, Edison Earley Pinzón Fandino, 27, Luis Carlos Moreno, 29, and Brian Martinez Vargas, 28. did. Vargas had previously been arrested on April 30th after a brief pursuit in Glendale.
Brian Martinez-Vargas (left), Jose Antonio Velasquez (second from left), Edison Arley Pinzón Fandino (second from right), and Luis Carlos Moreno (right). Glendale Police Department
Officers responded to the 4300 block of Boston Avenue around 3:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a residential burglary in progress.
Responding officers saw Vargas and 45-year-old William Guanume leave the scene in a gray Toyota and began a pursuit.
“While fleeing from officers, the suspects began discarding evidence from the vehicle,” police said in a statement.
The pursuit ultimately ended when the suspects exited Highway 134 at Figueroa Avenue, failed to negotiate a turn and crashed into a hillside. Both were arrested.
“Following investigation determined that the waste material had indeed been stolen from the targeted residence. In particular, officers recovered a WiFi signal jamming device, which remained operational,” the statement said. Ta. “Signal blocking devices allow individuals to illegally enter a home without being detected. The technology disrupts home WiFi systems, cuts off power to traditional home security systems and cameras, and Disables the ability to alert homeowners or law enforcement to the presence of an intruder.
Police said Mr. Guanume and Mr. Vargas are being investigated for their involvement in so-called cross-border criminal activity known as “robber tourism.” The crime involves South American nationals entering the United States under the guise of tourists, then targeting and robbing wealthy neighbors. .
The evidence found in the arrest is similar to several reports from other Southern California cities, including Chino Hills and Temecula, where hidden recording devices were placed in front yards of homes.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact investigators at (818) 548-4911.
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Dean Fioresi
