Police break up burglary ring that targeted luxury homes in San Fernando Valley
The LAPD says the thieves sometimes posed as exterminators, taking electronics, jewelry and other items worth millions.
By Richard Winton

April 2, 2010


Los Angeles Police Department detectives and federal authorities have broken up a San Fernando Valley burglary ring behind a string of high-end break-ins that netted several million dollars worth of electronics, jewelry and luxury items.

The burglars targeted luxury homes in and around the Valley that were tented for pest eradication and those having estate sales, using Craigslist to find locations, authorities said.

"In one house alone they stole more than $750,000 of items," said Lt. Alan Hamilton. "This ring is responsible for at least 15 burglaries based on the items we've recovered and identified."

Hamilton said that in some cases the burglars wore respirators to enter homes that were being fumigated and stole expensive items such as computers, big-screen TVs and tools. He said they often watched a home for several days before breaking and entering.

LAPD investigators working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents spent several months pursuing the ring.

The ongoing burglary investigation centers on 35-year-old twins Karisa Kay and Kristina Kay of Valley Village and 40-year-old Steven C. Miller, who were all arrested in January. Hamilton said the twins have a history of property crimes.

LAPD detectives say the sisters have been arrested on several occasions on suspicion of burglary and receiving stolen property. Karisa Kay has been charged with 12 felony counts, including identity theft, theft, commercial burglary, forgery and methamphetamine possession, records show.

Hamilton said Miller is alleged to be involved in at least 11 burglaries and was on parole for burglary when he was arrested. He was charged with nine felonies and returned to a state prison in Lancaster.

Two other suspects were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for unlawfully entering the United States and engaging in criminal activity.

They were taken to the Metropolitan Detention Center pending further investigation and deportation proceedings.

richard.winton @latimes.com


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