Irvine, California police announced Tuesday the arrest of six individuals, including several minors, with South American ties in connection with a series of burglaries targeting homes in California neighborhoods over the past year. Andres Zarate, 32, and Darlyn Alejandra Acosta Serrano, 32, were booked on burglary and conspiracy charges, alongside four unidentified 17-year-old minors, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Authorities have linked the arrested individuals to at least 10 residential burglaries in Irvine. The department stated that extensive surveillance and evidence gathering led to the arrests, which occurred across various locations in California, including Bellflower, Huntington Beach, and Los Angeles.
Police Chief Michael Kent affirmed the department's commitment to community safety, stating, "This successful investigation sends a clear message to all that crime will not be tolerated here." He added, "We have the technology, resources, and expertise to find those who commit crimes in Irvine and ensure they are held accountable."
It remains unclear whether the apprehended crew operated independently or as part of a larger criminal network. Police are continuing their investigation to determine if the suspects are linked to any additional crimes. The arrests come amid a broader trend of burglary tourism, where foreign nationals reportedly travel to the U.S. to commit home burglaries. Previous incidents have involved Chilean nationals targeting homes in the Los Angeles area and Colombians arrested in Burbank last year.