After Landslide, 2 Caught Trying To Steal From Evacuated Homes: Police

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA — Two people were arrested after they were caught trying to steal from homes damaged by a recent landslide in Rolling Hills Estates, according to police.

Deputies providing security to the homes were alerted Thursday morning of two people attempting to burglarize the evacuated residences, police said. The suspects tried to flee into the area of the landslide, but authorities used a drone and took them into custody, according to police.

“We are grateful for the assistance our partners provided, as well as pleased we were able to apprehend these suspects,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lomitas Station said in a Facebook post, noting it received the drone from the Torrance Police Department.

“We are also appalled that there are people who see another person’s misfortune as an opportunity for them to benefit.”

The landslide, which began claiming properties Saturday, forced residents of 12 homes on Peartree Lane to evacuate. People in the neighborhood reported loud cracking and items falling for days.

It’s unclear what caused the landslide, but officials are monitoring the situation.