Organized Crime Ring Behind Uptick In Home Burglaries In This South Bay Community: Police

TORRANCE, CA — An uptick in home burglaries in Torrance is being linked to South American Theft Groups.

South American Theft Groups are organized crime rings that have been around for several decades. They're made up of foreign nationals who target expensive homes using a combination of internet research, surveillance and commercially available camera and tracking technologies to scope out their targets, according to the FBI.

They then use other connections to sell the items or send the loot back to their native country, according to the FBI.

The Torrance Police Department said in a statement on social media that this organized crime ring has been using surveillance cameras equipped with battery packs across the city to monitor homeowners' daily routines and identify when homes are most vulnerable.

The announcement comes after a recent burglary in Torrance on Saturday afternoon, where the thieves were caught stealing by the homeowner. The thieves were chased off by the homeowner and managed to escape.

Police later released a statement asking for the public's help in locating at least three suspects involved in the burglary, though they did not outright say the suspects were part of the organized crime group.

The Torrance Police Department offered the following advice to community members amid these thefts:

• Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
• Ensure all doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security cameras or alarm systems.
• Consider joining or forming a neighborhood watch program.

"The safety and security of our community depend on each of us staying alert and informed," the Torrance Police Department said in a statement. Anyone wanting to report suspicious activity can contact the Torrance Police Department at 310-328-3456.