Claremont homeowners have recently reported witnessing a series of burglaries, and one of the victims, who was caught on security camera, is asking for the public’s help in finding the suspect.
The victim said his home off Padua Avenue was attacked on October 12 around 7 p.m. She and her boyfriend told KTLA’s Rachel Menitoff that they requested anonymity for fear the group would try to target them again.
But they said they wanted to show the methodical and careful way the three suspects moved around the home and completed the robbery within nine minutes.
In the footage, the suspects can be heard hearing voices before appearing, first jumping over the front gate and then punching a small hole in the glass door in the backyard to gain entry.
The three suspects were then seen walking around the downstairs area of the house with backpacks and suitcases, then quickly heading to a bedroom.
The footage shows the three suspects in the bedroom ripping off bed sheets and using them as makeshift bags.
They then grab a bunch of expensive handbags, scarves, and sunglasses, and throw the contraband in bags on the balcony, which they retrieve on their way back.
For a moment, one of the suspects made eye contact with the camera.
“It felt like maybe we were being targeted for some reason,” the homeowner said. “We don’t know if we were being followed or just being opportunistic.”
The victim contacted KTLA after seeing coverage of a criminal tourism ring plaguing parts of Los Angeles and the Santa Clarita Valley. She said she wonders if the thieves are expanding into the West.
“I’m shocked,” she said. “Do you obviously feel abused and fear what would have happened if we had stayed in the house?”
The homeowner said he saw the thieves leave in a two-door hatchback.
Claremont Police said there have been recent robberies in the area and they are conducting several open investigations.
The department said people should always be aware of their surroundings and call 911 if they believe they are being followed.
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