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Gang of young thieves arrested: Brad Pitt among the victims

Four young men accused of burglarising the homes of celebrities and sports stars in Los Angeles; police raid following sophisticated break-ins

Four young people, believed to be members of a street gang, have been arrested in Los Angeles for a series of burglaries at the homes of celebrities and athletes. Among the victims is Oscar-winning actor Brad Pitt, whose villa in Los Feliz was burgled last June, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell.

The suspects, two 18-year-olds, a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old, allegedly targeted the homes of well-known figures, including Hollywood actors and professional athletes. During searches of their homes, law enforcement officers recovered several stolen items, although no detailed list has been released.

The investigation began with the break-in at Brad Pitt’s mansion in late June: a trio of hooded thieves reportedly climbed over the security fence, smashed a window and ransacked the property while the actor was in New York promoting the film “F1”. The house, purchased by Pitt in 2023 near Griffith Park, is located not far from the famous “Hollywood” sign.

In addition to Pitt, other celebrities and athletes were reportedly targeted by the gang, including Nicole Kidman and her husband Keith Urban, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and former Los Angeles FC striker Olivier Giroud. The police explained that the gang used sophisticated techniques: hidden cameras to observe their victims’ habits and Wi-Fi jammers to disable home surveillance systems.

‘Anyone who posts information about their movements on social media could unwittingly signal their absence to criminals,’ McDonnell pointed out, highlighting how celebrity status makes homes more vulnerable. Investigations are continuing to verify any links with other similar thefts recorded in recent months in Los Angeles County.

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