Irvine police have arrested six people they describe as members of a residential burglary ring accused of breaking into homes across the Orange County city over the past year.
Who was arrested
Detectives took six suspects into custody — two adults and four 17-year-olds — in a coordinated operation that reached into Bellflower, Huntington Beach and Los Angeles, according to a statement from the Irvine Police Department. The two adults were identified as a 32-year-old Huntington Beach resident and a 32-year-old from Bellflower; the four juveniles were not named. All six face burglary and conspiracy charges. As with any arrest, the suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
What police allege
The department says the group is believed to be responsible for more than ten residential burglaries in different Irvine neighborhoods over the past year, and that detectives built the case through "extensive surveillance and evidence gathering." Police said they are continuing to investigate whether the group is tied to additional crimes. The department did not release a list of targeted homes, describe how entry was made, or detail any recovered property.
"We have the technology, resources, and expertise to find those who commit crimes" in Irvine, Police Chief Michael Kent said in the statement.
A note on the description
Some news outlets described the suspects as a "South American burglary crew," echoing a term law enforcement has used elsewhere for organized rings whose members travel to commit residential break-ins. The Irvine Police Department's own statement does not use that language or describe the suspects' national origin, and the Herald could not independently confirm it; we are therefore not characterizing the group that way. Organized burglary rings that target homes — including while residents are away — have been a recurring concern for police across Southern California in recent years.
The investigation is continuing, and police asked anyone with information to contact Irvine detectives.
