LAPD arrests serial burglary suspect linked to 25 thefts across LA

Police say suspect linked to 25 burglaries

Investigators believe the suspect is tied to a South American organized theft group.

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell have announced a significant breakthrough in a string of residential thefts with the arrest of 22-year-old Kevin Diaz, who is allegedly linked to dozens of break-ins across the region in recent weeks.

What we know:

Diaz was arrested on May 4 after a "hot prowl" burglary call in the 1500 block of Rexford Drive in West Los Angeles, according to authorities.

A resident called police after seeing a man on surveillance footage attempting to smash a glass door; officers arrived to find Diaz inside the home. After a short foot pursuit, he was taken into custody and is currently held on $50,000 bail.

LAPD investigators have since linked Diaz to 25 burglaries. While overall residential burglary rates in the San Fernando Valley are down 47% compared to the same period in 2025, a concentrated spike in recent weeks led to a specialized law enforcement response.

SUGGESTED COVERAGE: 

• San Fernando Valley burglary spike: String of break-ins prompt increased patrols
• Multi-million dollar homes targeted in string of Valley burglaries, some hit within 15 minutes
• LAPD struggles to contain burglary spike despite increased patrols

What they're saying:

"This is exactly why we have focused additional resources to the Valley and increased coordination across LAPD Bureaus: to catch these bad actors and get them off the streets," said Bass. 

She emphasized that the arrest justifies her push to hire more officers to "act swiftly and strategically when crime patterns emerge."

"When our investigators identified this burglary pattern, we surged resources, increased visibility, and tightened collaboration across our specialized units. I want Angelenos to know that we are fully committed to stopping these organized burglary crews," McDonnell added.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: San Fernando Valley family unharmed after home invasion

A Panorama City family is terrified following a home invasion. 

What you can do:

Under the Mayor’s current public safety directive, several strategies are active to assist residents:

• High Visibility: Residents will notice increased patrols by marked vehicles and air support units in high-risk areas.
• Tech Integration: The LAPD is utilizing mobile License Plate Readers (LPRs) to track vehicles associated with organized theft groups.
• Community Contact: Senior Lead Officers (SLOs) are conducting active outreach. Neighbors are encouraged to contact the West Los Angeles Detective Division at 310-444-1580 with any information regarding recent suspicious activity.

What's next:

The investigation into the broader organized theft group remains active. 

Diaz has been booked for first-degree residential burglary, and detectives are working with the Commercial Crimes and Robbery-Homicide Divisions to determine if other individuals are involved in this specific crew.