The Los Angeles Police Department has formed a task force to counter a rise in gangs from Latin America targeting luxury homes in Southern California. Most participants are from Chile, but law enforcement has seen nationals from Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. They exploit a 2014 visa waiver to enter the US and disable home security systems with jamming devices.
Key Points
Organized crime groups from Latin America targeting high-end residences in Southern California
Significant increase in burglaries by foreign organized groups entering the country
Thieves using jamming devices to disable home security systems
Pros
Increased awareness of organized crime targeting affluent neighborhoods
Collaboration between law enforcement agencies to address the issue
Cons
Rise in burglaries in Los Angeles, with over 900 homes burglarized this year alone
Exploitation of visa waiver program for criminal activities