Burglaries Persist In Palos Verdes Estates, Organized Crime Suspected

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA — The Palos Verdes Police Department said the persisting residential burglaries in the city are possibly linked to organized crime groups.

PVEPD officials said they have teamed up with specialized task forces to help tackle the issue and burglary suppression efforts are in full swing.

"These burglaries, possibly linked to sophisticated organized crime groups specializing in residential burglary, aren’t just happening here; it’s a broader SoCal concern. Most occur just after dark," PVEPD said in a statement.

Since August, there have been 22 home burglaries reported in various areas throughout Palos Verdes Estates. According to police, eight of those incidents have occurred within a month up until Wednesday.

In response to the rise of burglaries, PVEPD officers have been proactively patrolling the city in hopes of deterring and detecting criminal activity.

PVEPD also recommended tips for residents to help prevent burglaries such as always leaving all windows and doors locked, leaving interior lights on when no one is home and double checking home security systems.

Residents can also submit a Home Vacation Check Request to the police department to have officers conduct scheduled perimeter checks while residents are gone. The form can be filled out online at pvestates.org or at the police station and is free for residents.

Additionally, to help residents be prepared for possible burglaries, Detective Segent Aaron Belda said PVEPD detectives offer to survey houses to look for weaknesses and point out areas of vulnerability that could be improved. Belda said security cameras are also helpful in investigations.

"It's not going to stop them from doing bad stuff, but hopefully it will make them pass on your house because it looks more fortified," Belda said.

Residents were encouraged to report suspicious activity to PVEPD dispatch at 310-378-4211.