Full Notification

The Simi Valley Police Department has successfully dismantled a sophisticated burglary crew responsible for a series of high-value commercial burglaries throughout Southern California.  The investigation culminated in the arrest of four suspects, with more than $600,000 in stolen property recovered to date.

On May 26, 2025, officers responded to a reported burglary at Dr. Conkey’s Candy & Coffee on Cochran Street.  Officers discovered the suspects had entered the business through a hole cut in the roof and then tunneled through an interior wall into the adjacent 5-Star Jewelry store.  A safe containing approximately $3.5 million in cash, high-end watches, and precious jewelry was stolen.  

SVPD detectives, already investigating a similar burglary at a nearby pawn shop just days earlier, began working to connect the incidents.  Through coordinated efforts with local, state, and federal agencies, detectives utilized surveillance footage, license plate reader (LPR) data, and a forensic review of digital evidence to identify several suspects tied to a South American Theft Group (SATG), a network known for committing organized and targeted commercial burglaries.  All suspects were Chilean Nationals who had been in California for an undetermined amount of time. 

Over the course of the following days, detectives identified and began surveilling suspects Sergio Machuca (28), Manuel Ibarra (37), Camilo Lara (32), and Heidy Trujillo (25).  Detectives conducted extensive surveillance and, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, arrested two of the suspects.  A short time later, an additional two suspects were arrested.  During these arrests and the subsequent search warrant in the 6700 block of De Soto Avenue, detectives recovered large amounts of stolen jewelry, cash, and designer watches, many of which were confirmed to be items taken during the Simi Valley 5-Star Jewelry/Dr. Conkey’s burglary.  A stolen firearm from an unrelated Los Angeles burglary was also located during the investigation.  Notably, some of the suspects were found wearing or transporting items that had been reported stolen, further strengthening the case.

All suspects were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on felony charges, including commercial burglary, grand theft, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property.  The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests or charges are possible.  Suspect Machuca also had a felony burglary warrant out of New Jersey. 

This investigation highlights the value of interagency collaboration, technology-driven policing, and community vigilance.  The Simi Valley Police Department would like to thank the LAPD, CHP, and FBI Major Theft Task Force for their assistance.