FOREIGN NATIONALS ARRESTED IN JEWELRY STORE HEIST AMID ONGOING CRIME WAVE IN LA COUNTY
Glendale police have arrested seven foreign nationals for their alleged involvement in a jewelry store heist, marking another incident in a series of targeted crimes in Los Angeles County. The suspects, identified as Jose Millafil, Javier Sepulveda, Cristian Gonzalezaburto, Luka Pazitiani, Vera Matias, Victor Iturriagalopez, and Edson Gonzalez, were apprehended after attempting to break into Rodeo Jewelers, a store located at 1560 Foothill Boulevard in La Verne. The operation involved the use of signal jammers and cutting wires to bypass security systems, as stated in a police news release.
The arrests follow a growing trend of organized thefts targeting jewelry stores in the region. Less than 30 minutes away from La Verne, a family-owned jewelry store in El Monte recently lost half its inventory when it was ransacked, with the Meza family estimating losses at $1.5 million. Law enforcement sources have indicated that a professional theft ring has been operating in Los Angeles County, although it remains unclear if the Meza store break-in is linked to the same group.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspects are believed to be involved in similar crimes spanning both their countries of origin and the United States. The investigation into the heists has revealed that the suspects were planning to carry out a similar attack on another jewelry store, which led to their eventual capture. Police have also highlighted the use of signal jammers, a technique that disrupts communication devices and can aid in evading surveillance and control systems during the commission of crimes.
While the exact origins of the suspects remain undisclosed, their alleged involvement in multiple heists suggests a coordinated effort. This incident is part of a broader pattern of criminal activity that has raised concerns among local businesses and residents, prompting calls for increased security measures and law enforcement collaboration across jurisdictions to combat such targeted thefts.