Three Chilean nationals were collared in Irvine for allegedly being part of an international burglary ring, police said. The trio, Julio Cordova-Martinez, 55, Ricardo Navarete-Loyola, 19, and Leopoldo Jara-Araya, 57, were nabbed by authorities as they allegedly prepared to raid some of California's upscale neighborhoods. Irvine Police Department officers spotted "a suspicious vehicle" during a surveillance operation on Friday evening aimed at combating a spate of residential break-ins, according to ABC7.
"The men were not from a area and appeared to have no reason to be in Irvine," the police said in a statement. The suspects were detained after traffic stop as their vehicle left a parking lot in the affluent Turtle Rock and Shady Canyon areas. Police claim to have found burglary tools, pet deterrent, shoe covers, gloves, and masks in the vehicle, suggesting that the men were scouting the neighborhood with illicit intentions.
All three were booked into Orange County Jail on conspiracy to commit burglary, giving false information to police, and possession of burglary tools. They are believed to be linked to a larger crime syndicate responsible for a series of home invasions across Southern California. According to a CBS News report, the group's activities have particularly afflicted parts of Orange County.
Authorities are reaching out to the public for further information. "Based on the totality of the circumstances, the trio appeared to be casing the area to commit residential burglaries,” the Irvine Police stated. Community members with insights into these incidents or the suspects are encouraged to get in touch with Detective Ryan Nigg by emailing [email protected] or by calling 949-724-7183.
