Intruders detained following break-in at Brad Pitt's Los Angeles residence
In a series of recent burglaries, high-profile figures and affluent neighborhoods in Los Angeles have been targeted. The most high-profile incident occurred in June, when the home of actor Brad Pitt was burglarized while he was away promoting his latest film, F1: The Movie. Four individuals have since been arrested for the crime.
The break-in took place at around 10:30 p.m. in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. Pitt's home, purchased for $5.5 million in April 2023, was ransacked, but the identity of the home's inhabitant at the time of the incident was not revealed by police. Media reports confirmed the identity of Pitt after the fact.
The burglary crews appear to be targeting wealthy areas indiscriminately, focusing on the opportunity rather than specific individuals. Other celebrities who have been victims of burglaries this year include Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban.
Recent burglaries have primarily targeted affluent neighborhoods such as Encino, Studio City, Los Feliz, and Hollywood Hills. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has responded by increasing patrols, including officers on horseback, and is investigating organized crime rings thought to be behind some of these burglaries.
In Encino, a deadly home invasion resulted in the murder of "American Idol" executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca, sparking community calls for increased security measures. The LAPD has been working to address these concerns, with plans for potentially new substations, drones, and license plate readers.
However, the problem is not limited to Encino. In January, five suspects were arrested in connection with a wave of break-ins in Beverly Hills and other nearby locations. Police departments in Los Angeles, Glendale, San Marino, Burbank, Pleasanton, Bakersfield, Ventura County, Orange County, and San Mateo County were involved in the arrests.
In a significant law enforcement effort against organized burglary groups, three burglary suspects were caught after a car chase and crash close to Rodeo Drive in February. Ongoing investigations include the arrest of four members of a burglary crew believed responsible for multiple break-ins across Southern California, including the June burglary of Brad Pitt’s residence.
Charges are pending for the suspects, awaiting the district attorney's decision. The LAPD is urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
References:
- Los Angeles Times
- CBS Los Angeles
- NBC Los Angeles
- Variety
- ABC News
The entertainment industry is abuzz with news of the recent burglaries targeting celebrities, as evidenced by the break-in at Brad Pitt's home in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, general-news outlets are reporting increased crime-and-justice concerns, with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) investigating organized rings believed responsible for these burglaries, not just in affluent neighborhoods like Encino, Studio City, Los Feliz, and Hollywood Hills, but also in other locations such as Beverly Hills and San Mateo County.
