Four teenagers, including two 18-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and a 16-year-old, were arrested by Los Angeles police in connection with a series of celebrity burglaries that left high-profile homes, including that of actor Brad Pitt, turned upside down. Authorities believe these young suspects, linked to a street gang, are behind multiple break-ins that targeted various celebrities, as reported by LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.
While the specific identities of all the victims were not disclosed, notable individuals such as Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the LA Dodgers, and ex-LA Football Club forward Olivier Giroud have encountered similar break-ins this year. The investigation initiated in late June, following an incident where masked thieves invaded Pitt's home, allegedly breaking in by jumping over a fence and smashing a window before making off with valuable items.
Although the police haven’t officially confirmed that the ransacked property belongs to Pitt, the address matches a residence he purchased in 2023. Situated near Griffith Park, known for its proximity to the Hollywood Sign, the three-bedroom house is discreetly shielded by a fence and vegetation.
At the time of the burglary, Pitt was absent, busy promoting his latest film, F1. Jim McDonnell noted that the suspects belong to a crew dedicated to burglarizing high-profile residents and posed a growing concern for traffic safety. Following weeks of surveillance, police successfully arrested the suspects on burglary charges, although details about recovered items remain undisclosed.
McDonnell highlighted the evolving tactics of such burglars, who now employ measures like planting surveillance cameras in strategic locations to observe their targets’ daily habits. Additionally, the use of wi-fi jammers has been noted, which disrupts home surveillance systems, allowing thieves to circumvent alert mechanisms.
He further cautioned that celebrities and athletes face heightened risks, as their travels are frequently publicized, and individuals sharing their itineraries on social media unknowingly signal potential thieves about their absence from home. "While we want to keep our friends informed, we're also exposing ourselves to risks," he advised, emphasizing the importance of privacy and caution in an increasingly connected world.
While the specific identities of all the victims were not disclosed, notable individuals such as Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the LA Dodgers, and ex-LA Football Club forward Olivier Giroud have encountered similar break-ins this year. The investigation initiated in late June, following an incident where masked thieves invaded Pitt's home, allegedly breaking in by jumping over a fence and smashing a window before making off with valuable items.
Although the police haven’t officially confirmed that the ransacked property belongs to Pitt, the address matches a residence he purchased in 2023. Situated near Griffith Park, known for its proximity to the Hollywood Sign, the three-bedroom house is discreetly shielded by a fence and vegetation.
At the time of the burglary, Pitt was absent, busy promoting his latest film, F1. Jim McDonnell noted that the suspects belong to a crew dedicated to burglarizing high-profile residents and posed a growing concern for traffic safety. Following weeks of surveillance, police successfully arrested the suspects on burglary charges, although details about recovered items remain undisclosed.
McDonnell highlighted the evolving tactics of such burglars, who now employ measures like planting surveillance cameras in strategic locations to observe their targets’ daily habits. Additionally, the use of wi-fi jammers has been noted, which disrupts home surveillance systems, allowing thieves to circumvent alert mechanisms.
He further cautioned that celebrities and athletes face heightened risks, as their travels are frequently publicized, and individuals sharing their itineraries on social media unknowingly signal potential thieves about their absence from home. "While we want to keep our friends informed, we're also exposing ourselves to risks," he advised, emphasizing the importance of privacy and caution in an increasingly connected world.
