3 foreign nationals accused of planting hidden camera outside Southern California home

Three men from Colombia have been arrested in connection with a hidden camera found outside a Southern California home earlier this year – a crime that is becoming increasingly common.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, a homeowner first discovered the components wrapped in black electrical tape and concealed in landscaping in the 42000 block of Drennon Court in Temecula on May 9.

Initially, authorities were concerned the device could be a bomb, prompting an evacuation of the street. A robot was brought in to examine the device, and it was determined not to be explosive but instead contained “improvised video recording components,” investigators said.

The homeowner’s surveillance cameras captured video of a Toyota minivan dropping off two men wearing COVID masks, who placed the device in the front yard before driving away.

“Investigators networked with other local officers and federal agents to conduct an extensive investigation into the suspects responsible for staging the devices,” the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement . “Investigators determined four suspects conspired to covertly place the devices with the intent to commit burglary.”

On Tuesday, officers raided a home in the 500 block of Catalina Street in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood, where three men were taken into custody.

Hames Lopez-Granados, 28, Dany Alejandro Aponte-Abaunza, 38, and Jonathan Sierra-Rincon, 27, were booked on charges of conspiracy and burglary. A fourth suspect remains at large.

Lead investigator Angel Gasparini said this crew was highly sophisticated and organized.

“They purchased devices at different locations and different stores under aliases and paid cash,” Gasparini told KTLA 5 News.

Experts say hidden cameras are increasingly being used by burglars to case targets.

“These types of technology allow them to scan an area or home to determine when the homeowners are away and what security might be present,” retired SWAT commander and security analyst Gene Petrino told KTLA 5. “Regular consumer products are readily available, inexpensive, and more than capable of providing the information [thieves] need to commit their crimes.”

In May, Glendale police arrested four Colombian nationals accused of running a “ burglary tourism ” operation that involved the use of camouflage cameras. Days later, another hidden camera was found in bushes pointed at a home in Garden Grove.

Petrino said the same technology criminals use can also help protect homeowners.

“Most criminals avoid homes that have a security system,” Petrino said. “Security systems that provide instant alerts to the homeowner are very advantageous because they notify the homeowner of an intruder in real time. Monitoring stations by alarm companies may not inform the police immediately, giving the criminals time to escape.”

Police offer the following tips to avoid becoming a victim:

• Never leave a hidden key outside your home.
• If you spot a suspicious vehicle, write down the license plate and report it.
• Always lock doors and windows when leaving, even for a short time.
• Keep your front porch and exteriors well-lit.
• Keep trees and bushes trimmed so they don’t become hiding spots for thieves.
• Install home security cameras and monitor them frequently.
• If you spot a broken window or open door, do not enter the home; call police immediately.

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