6 Suspected In Sophisticated Burglary Ring In SoCal In Custody; 4 At Large

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say they have arrested six of ten individuals suspected of committing dozens of residential burglaries in Southern California.

At a news conference Thursday, the ten suspects were described by investigators as hardcore gang members with criminal records.

Police allege the suspects committed home burglaries targeting gold, jewelry, and cash.

"Typically, I think it's eye-balling from the street. The house looks nice, well-kept, maybe nice vehicles in the driveway," said an undercover detective sergeant.

He explained that a good haul is anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000. That very same day, he says, the suspects are accused of turning their haul into cash through a jewelry store or a place that gives cash for gold.

"It's an easy crime to commit. People won't be home. They typically won't have a violent encounter," the sergeant said.

The suspects are accused of targeting affluent areas, like Claremont, La Crescenta, San Marino, Sherman Oaks, Simi Valley and Pacific Palisades.

Six people suspected of being part of the group were in custody, while four are outstanding.

Police believe the crime spree, detectives allege, has been going on since March of 2015.

The suspects are accused of working in groups of three and sometimes as many as ten. They are suspected of traveling to these affluent areas in high-price luxury vehicles in order to blend in.

Once there, police say they knock and when no one answers, they either enter through the back or kick in the front door.