Burglary Crews Use New High-Tech Trick To Ransack LA Houses: LAPD

LOS ANGELES, CA — Police are warning Angelenos how to protect themselves against a new crime trend where burglars use devices that can remotely kill wireless security cameras as they ransack residences.

The Los Angeles Police Department's Wilshire area has recently investigated a spate of residential burglaries in which three or four suspects use Wi-Fi jammers as they enter victims' residences. The jammers are devices that block or disrupt nearby Wi-Fi devices, such a security cameras or security systems, according to the LAPD.

The suspects have entered properties through second-story balconies to steal high-end jewelry, purses, cash and other valuables, police said.

"They tend to ransack and target primary bedrooms," police said in a release. "On many occasions these suspects will have a getaway vehicle and driver to act as a lookout."

Offers offered the following prevention tips to homeowners:

• Add a padlock to electrical circuit boxes to deter burglars from tampering with alarm systems.
• Never tell ride-hailing drivers or social media followers that they'll be away from home.
• Watch for suspicious vehicles with temporary or dealer plates or those that are rentals.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up mail and check on their home if they plan to be away.
• Install cameras and lighting around the home.
• Secure alarm DVRs so they cannot be tampered with.
• Talk to your internet provider about hard-wiring your security system.
• Add extra security features such as a pole to sliding-glass doors to eliminate easy points of entry.
• Place AirTags or other trackers in valuable purses and vehicles.
• Share cell phone numbers with close neighbors in order to communicate about activity in the area.
• Prune trees and shrubs to make the home highly visible.
• Never let mail accumulate in the mailbox.
• Leave lights on in the home.