The Emergence of Crime Tourism in the Golden State
Crime tourism, particularly in California, refers to the phenomenon where individuals travel from abroad—often from South America—to commit organized thefts, particularly residential burglaries. Law enforcement agencies have reported a marked rise in these incidents since 2018, with an acceleration during the pandemic recovery years.
According to the Los Angeles Times, law enforcement has attributed many of these crimes to well-organized “South American Theft Groups” (SATGs), primarily from Chile, who exploit the U.S. Visa Waiver Program to enter the country and conduct burglaries.
These groups plan and execute targeted attacks in upscale neighborhoods, often hitting dozens of homes in a matter of weeks before returning to their home countries. In some cases, they rent vehicles, scout neighborhoods in disguise, and use tools like signal jammers to defeat home security systems.
Southern California: A Prime Target for International Crime Rings
Southern California’s affluence and sprawling geography make it an ideal environment for transnational burglars. Cities like Los Angeles, Irvine, Glendale, and Pacific Palisades have all reported an uptick in home invasions attributed to foreign nationals.
A detailed report by KTLA describes how burglars target homes near greenbelts and hiking trails, often wearing camouflage to avoid detection. Police have discovered hidden surveillance equipment planted in bushes, indicating a high level of planning.
Glendale and Ventura law enforcement agencies have formed specialized task forces in coordination with federal authorities to address these crimes. One such task force helped track down a burglary crew that was later found to be connected to a larger theft ring operating in multiple states.
The Anatomy of Crime Tourism Operations
Many of the burglary crews operate out of rental car businesses that specialize in serving international clients. One high-profile case involved a business called Driver Power Rentals in Van Nuys, California. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the business provided vehicles, fake IDs, and even “target lists” to arriving thieves. These services were designed to facilitate multiple crimes across several cities.
Federal prosecutors allege that this operation stole more than $35 million in property from over 80 cities across the country. Law enforcement recovered luxury vehicles, stolen goods, and documentation indicating an expansive logistical operation.
Crews are often composed of three to five individuals, some of whom are minors. In one instance, a 17-year-old suspect arrested in Glendale later escaped from juvenile custody and remains at large. The Glendale Police Department has expressed frustration over the lack of effective detainment options for foreign nationals, especially those with no prior U.S. criminal history.
The Role of Tourist Visas in Facilitating Crime
Chilean nationals benefit from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, allowing them to enter the country for up to 90 days without a traditional visa. According to a CNN investigation, this loophole has been heavily exploited by criminal networks. Because the U.S. lacks access to Chile’s full criminal database, suspects with extensive records abroad can enter undetected.
Several U.S. lawmakers have proposed suspending Chile’s participation in the program unless better data-sharing practices are implemented. Homeland Security has since worked to improve biometric and criminal history information exchanges with Chilean authorities.
The Impact on Local Communities
Communities affected by crime tourism experience more than just financial loss. According to ABC7 Los Angeles, many homeowners are investing thousands in home security upgrades, from cellular backup systems to AI-powered cameras.
Some neighborhoods have hired private security patrols or installed license plate reader systems at entrance points. Law enforcement agencies have conducted workshops to educate residents about recognizing and reporting suspicious behavior, like loiterers wearing utility vests or unfamiliar vehicles parked in the same area multiple times.
High-Profile Arrests and Federal Crackdowns
In 2024, the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office led a coordinated raid that resulted in the arrest of six individuals linked to the Driver Power Rentals operation. According to NBC Los Angeles, the suspects face federal charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering.
Other significant arrests include multiple Chilean and Colombian nationals who were found with stolen goods and advanced burglary tools like Wi-Fi jammers and encrypted communication apps. These arrests have led to further investigations into how these theft rings recruit and finance their operations.
Policy Recommendations
Officials from Orange County and other jurisdictions have called for:
- Stricter visa regulations for nationals from countries associated with transnational theft rings.
- Improved data-sharing agreements between the U.S. and Latin American countries.
- Legal reforms that allow courts to deny bail to foreign suspects deemed flight risks.
- Expanded use of surveillance technology including automated license plate readers and neighborhood camera sharing programs.
These recommendations are being considered at both state and federal levels, with support from the Department of Homeland Security and bipartisan members of Congress.
Conclusion
Crime tourism presents a unique and evolving threat to California’s communities. However, increased public awareness, community engagement, and interagency cooperation are beginning to yield results. Arrests are up, new policies are under consideration, and neighborhoods are becoming more vigilant.
By continuing to invest in technology, international partnerships, and legal tools, California can protect its residents without compromising its openness to legitimate tourists.