Los Angeles police have formally linked a break-in at Brad Pitt's home in June to a string of other burglaries targeting celebrities and high-profile residents. Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of committing the crimes, according to police chief Jim McDonnell.
McDonnell announced the arrests, describing the suspects as a crew responsible for burglaries at the homes of 'various high-profile residents', including actors and professional athletes. The case originated from a burglary at Pitt's residence in the Los Feliz neighbourhood on 25 June, while the actor was on a promotional tour for his film F1.
According to McDonnell, three masked suspects scaled a fence, smashed a glass window with a tool, entered the home, removed property, and fled. Four suspects aged 16 to 18 were later arrested following a surveillance operation, and numerous stolen items were recovered. The suspects are documented or affiliated with a criminal street gang.
Other celebrities recently targeted include Nicole Kidman, Austin Butler, and footballer Olivier Giroud. McDonnell noted that criminals are using sophisticated methods such as wifi jammers to disable surveillance cameras and monitoring celebrities' social media to track their movements, and are aware that juveniles are treated differently by the justice system.
