What appeared to be routine house cleaning visits in Los Angeles turned out to be part of an elaborate burglary, authorities say.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, two women posing as cleaning service workers allegedly used a mobile phone app to enter homes across the San Fernando Valley, stealing luxury handbags, jewelry and thousands of dollars in cash from unsuspecting residents.
Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division arrested 30-year-old Nicole Quiroga and 49-year-old Sandra Aguilon, both Colombian citizens, on September 30 following a multi-agency investigation involving the FBI and California Highway Patrol.
When officers searched the suspects’ apartment and vehicles, they reportedly found more than $50,000 in cash, along with high-end handbags, jewelry and an array of burglary tools — including Wi-Fi jammers, GPS trackers, stolen license plates, surveillance cameras and cellphones, police said.
Investigators believe the pair are part of a larger transnational organized crime network that has targeted homes throughout the Valley. By creating fake profiles on a cleaning service app, investigators say the women gained access to private residences under the guise of professional cleaners.
Both suspects were booked into the Van Nuys Jail on grand larceny charges, according to police records. Authorities continue to investigate and are searching for additional suspects or potential victims.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division, Grand Theft Task Force at (213) 486-5920. Anonymous tips can be submitted through LA Regional Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or going to connected.