Two people, including a man who was covered with fresh leaves, were arrested in Torrance after they tried to install surveillance cameras to possibly monitor and burglarize homes, police said Friday.
An officer with the Torrance Police Department was patrolling the area of Iris Avenue and 227th Street when he saw suspicious activity involving an “abruptly parked” car.
When more officers arrived at the scene and began speaking with them, they realized one of the people was covered in fresh foliage to possibly disguise himself while installing the hidden cameras for residential burglaries.
Another person, who was in the car, was also taken into custody.
The two suspects were arrested for probable cause burglary, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy, Torrance police said.
One of the two people had multiple outstanding warrants from North Carolina for theft, conspiracy and financial crimes, police added.
Torrance saw a number of burglaries last year as South American crime groups set up surveillance cameras in front of their targets and monitor the residents’ routines and vulnerabilities.
Homeowners in West Covina, Arcadia, Garden Grove and Alhambra have also reported hidden cameras, often covered with mesh and fake grass.
Anyone with information related to this incident was encouraged to contact the Torrance Police Department at (310)328-3456.
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