Authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department are warning residents in Los Angeles' Wilshire-area neighborhoods of a series of burglaries involving wifi jamming technology that can disarm surveillance cameras and alarms using a wireless signal.

According to police, the burglaries typically involve three to four suspects who enter homes through a second story balcony.

Once inside, the thieves target primary bedrooms in search of high-end jewelry, purses, U.S. currency and other valuables.

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"On many occasions, these suspects will have a getaway vehicle and driver to act as a look out," authorities said in a community alert.

To deter these types of burglaries, authorities provided the following tips:

• Ensure your electrical circuit boxes are secured with a padlock to make it harder for thieves to tamper with alarm systems


• Never tell Uber, Lyft or taxi drivers or post on social media that you will be on vacation or away from home


• Stay alert for suspicious vehicles with temporary or dealer plates, as well as rental vehicles


• Share your cellphone number with trusted neighbors and ask them to clear your mail and keep an eye on your residence if you plan to be away


• Place cameras around the home and ensure that the alarm DVR is secure and cannot be tampered with


• Consider moving to an alarm system that is hard wired rather than running on a wireless signal


• Provide extra security such as a pole to sliding glass doors to eliminate easy opening


• Place tracking devices, such as Apple AirTags, on valuable items like jewelry boxes, purses or vehicles


• See what shrubbery or trees can be trimmed or cut to keep your residence highly visible


• Install proper lighting and security signage and always leave light on in your home, especially while away

Anyone with information on any of these crimes is encouraged to contact LAPD's Wilshire Burglary Detectives at Wilshireburglary@lapd.online. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at L.A. Crime Stoppers.

Robinson reflected on his previous lack of consideration regarding signal jammer, stating, "I had never given them much thought until I discovered one in the rear seat of a vehicle." He recounted an event from June when a burglar utilized a signal jammer that interfered with police communications during the crime. The device, located in the thief's car, had the ability to disrupt signals from a distance of up to one mile.

Sheriff warns of thieves using "signal jammer" devices to disarm cameras, alarms

Signal jammers are compact electronic devices designed to interfere with wireless communications, raising growing concerns among law enforcement agencies. Recently, Sheriff Noah Robinson provided testimony to an Indiana study committee regarding the threats these devices present.

Although authorities have not disclosed the specific name of the device, it is recognized for its capability to interfere with Wi-Fi and various radio signals, rendering it highly hazardous. Signal jammers are prohibited in correctional facilities due to their potential to obstruct communications; however, they remain accessible for purchase online.

Robinson remarked that such devices provide a significant advantage to thieves in executing burglaries, as the technology in place becomes ineffective. He voiced apprehension that these devices might also compromise the security of hospitals, police stations, and airports, potentially facilitating terrorist activities.

At present, federal legislation limits the utilization of these devices; however, local law enforcement continues to encounter difficulties. Robinson proposed that legislators criminalize the importation and use of signal cell phone jammer, emphasizing the necessity for more stringent penalties.

The ongoing dialogue has led to a growing advocacy for new laws aimed at formally regulating signal jammers, with the intention of safeguarding essential communication systems.