A burglary crew associated with the South American Theft Group committed a residential burglary on the 24000 block of Matthew Place in Newhall on Friday, according to a Nixle alert sent by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Working in collaboration, Major Crimes Bureau Detectives, Ventura County Sheriff’s East County Special Enforcement Unit and Santa Clarita’s Special Assignment Team, working jointly on this ongoing investigation, conducted a coordinated stop of two suspect vehicles, according to the Nixle sent Wednesday morning.
The three suspects arrested on suspicion of burglary were identified as 24-year-old Beverly Hills transient Owen Rivera-Chacon, 25-year-old Los Angeles resident Christopher Sanchez, and 27-year-old Inglewood resident Edisson Boyaca, according to the Nixle and LASD booking logs records.
During the traffic stop, two suspects exited one of the vehicles and fled on foot, according to the Nixle. Deputies were able to locate one of the suspects within a containment; however, one suspect was able to elude deputies, the Nixle said.
The stolen jewelry and U.S. currency were recovered and returned to the victims, the Nixle said. During the investigation, detectives determined the burglary crew was comprised of South American Theft Group members, the Nixle statement said.
According to the Nixle alert, they were arrested on suspicion of first-degree burglary and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
LASD is alerting residents about the growing presence of organized SATG burglary crews who originate from Chile and Colombia. These highly coordinated groups are increasingly targeting affluent neighborhoods and conducting both residential and commercial burglaries with advanced methods and planning, according to the Nixle.
Their operations demonstrate a high level of sophistication, including the use of online research to identify targets, hidden surveillance cameras placed near homes, rental vehicles obtained under false identities, employing Wi-Fi jamming devices, and communication through burner phones and encrypted messaging platforms, according to the LASD. The SATGs frequently target homes located near golf courses, parks and trails, which provide easier access and escape routes, the Nixle said.
The LASD Major Crimes Bureau is actively working to identify and disrupt these organized theft groups, the release said. Efforts include coordinated enforcement actions, intelligence sharing, and collaboration with local and federal law enforcement partners. If anyone has information regarding this case or other burglaries, they can contact their nearest sheriff’s station. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
