Burglars Caught Breaking Into Palos Verdes Home During Landslide Emergency Sentenced

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA -- A man and woman who were caught burglarizing a Rancho Palos Verdes home during a state of emergency situation have been sentenced regarding the incident, KTLA reported Wednesday.

The unnamed man, 37, was convicted of felony conspiracy to commit robbery and felony possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He received a two-year state prison sentence, with two years suspended. The 42-year-old woman was convicted of felony conspiracy to commit robbery and was given two years' probation.

They were caught when the homeowner returned to the residence in January, 2025 during the state of emergency, which was declared due to landslides in the area. Upon returning, the owner found a suspicious truck parked deep in his driveway and unfamiliar individuals on the property. He immediately called deputies.

Deputies received the call about a suspicious vehicle in the landslide area in the middle of the night, officials said.

"After investigating what business the two visitors had in our neighborhood at the odd hours of the night, it was determined they were up to no good," LASD officials said.

Law enforcement found ski masks, bolt cutters, a reciprocating saw, metal cutting blades, work gloves and a loaded revolver registered to another person.

The KTLA article can be read here.

Patch staffer Rachel Barnes contributed to this report.