The Los Angeles Police Department has arrested four teenagers for a series of burglaries that included a break-in at actor Brad Pitt's residence. Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced that the suspects, two 18-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and a 16-year-old, are reportedly gang members who have targeted more than one celebrity home this year. Items stolen during these burglaries were located when police conducted searches of their residences.
Although police refrained from disclosing the names of all the victims, notable figures like Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, LA Dodgers player Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and former LA Football Club striker Olivier Giroud had previously reported their homes being vandalized. The investigation into the burglaries was initiated in late June when a group of three masked individuals invaded Pitt's property. They allegedly climbed over a security fence and broke a window to access the interior, stealing valuables before fleeing the scene. The police did not confirm that the house belonged to Pitt, although its address is consistent with a residence he acquired in 2023.
The spacious three-bedroom home is located on the outskirts of Griffith Park, known for the iconic Hollywood Sign, and is surrounded by tall fencing and dense greenery, providing some seclusion from public view. At the time of the burglary, Pitt, who was promoting his new film "F1," was not present in the house.
Chief McDonnell stated that the suspects were part of a larger group responsible for a range of burglaries targeting affluent residents across the city, including those from the entertainment and sports industries. Last week, after monitoring the teenagers, authorities successfully apprehended them on charges of burglary. Details regarding the specific items recovered during police searches were not disclosed.
McDonnell emphasized that these young thieves had become increasingly sophisticated, implementing surveillance measures such as cameras placed in flowerbeds or across streets to observe their targets. They have also reportedly utilized wi-fi jammers to disrupt home security systems, making it easier for them to carry out their crimes without detection. He cautioned that celebrities and athletes can be particularly vulnerable due to their public presence and the information shared online. Additionally, he noted that social media activity can unintentionally expose individuals' whereabouts to potential burglars, emphasizing the need for greater awareness regarding privacy while sharing personal experiences online.
Although police refrained from disclosing the names of all the victims, notable figures like Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, LA Dodgers player Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and former LA Football Club striker Olivier Giroud had previously reported their homes being vandalized. The investigation into the burglaries was initiated in late June when a group of three masked individuals invaded Pitt's property. They allegedly climbed over a security fence and broke a window to access the interior, stealing valuables before fleeing the scene. The police did not confirm that the house belonged to Pitt, although its address is consistent with a residence he acquired in 2023.
The spacious three-bedroom home is located on the outskirts of Griffith Park, known for the iconic Hollywood Sign, and is surrounded by tall fencing and dense greenery, providing some seclusion from public view. At the time of the burglary, Pitt, who was promoting his new film "F1," was not present in the house.
Chief McDonnell stated that the suspects were part of a larger group responsible for a range of burglaries targeting affluent residents across the city, including those from the entertainment and sports industries. Last week, after monitoring the teenagers, authorities successfully apprehended them on charges of burglary. Details regarding the specific items recovered during police searches were not disclosed.
McDonnell emphasized that these young thieves had become increasingly sophisticated, implementing surveillance measures such as cameras placed in flowerbeds or across streets to observe their targets. They have also reportedly utilized wi-fi jammers to disrupt home security systems, making it easier for them to carry out their crimes without detection. He cautioned that celebrities and athletes can be particularly vulnerable due to their public presence and the information shared online. Additionally, he noted that social media activity can unintentionally expose individuals' whereabouts to potential burglars, emphasizing the need for greater awareness regarding privacy while sharing personal experiences online.
