Full Notification

In late October 2018, the City of Simi Valley had approximately twenty residential 459 PC/Burglaries with similar methods of entry. During these burglaries, the suspects entered through the back door or window utilizing pry tools. Upon entry, the residences were ransacked and various valuables were stolen. Furthermore, during these burglaries, often times the Suspects would utilize household furniture to barricade the front door. These types of burglaries spanned to other counties to include: Los Angeles County, Alameda County, San Bernardino County, Santa Clara County, and Orange County.

While working potential leads, with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, who had similar crimes, Detectives identified a burglary crew associated with these crimes. A surveillance was conducted on this burglary crew. This team consisted of members from the Simi Valley Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau, Burglary Robbery Task Force (BRTF), and Ventura County Auto Theft Taskforce (VenCATT), consisting of investigators from CHP, Ventura County DA’s Office, DMV Investigators, and the Simi Valley Police Department.

On January 7, 2019, members of VenCATT and BRTF followed the suspected burglars to a residence in the 1500 block of W. Highpoint Street in Upland, Ca. Shortly after departing a residence, surveillance team members learned the residence had been burglarized consistent with other recent burglaries.

Members of the surveillance team orchestrated an enforcement stop on the vehicle for the residential burglary that occurred in Upland. During this stop, a search of the vehicle yielded a pillow case loaded with jewelry and electronics taken from the residence. The following four North Hollywood residents were arrested for 459 PC/Burglary, and booked into the San Bernardino County Jail:

• Luis Reynaldo Mendez (30 YOA)
• Lenny Roman (26 YOA)
• Matias Brito (22 YOA)
• Pablo Masotti (19 YOA)

Evidence located at the traffic stop indicated this crew was using fake identifications to obtain rental vehicles in order to commit these crimes. In some instances, the Suspect would place a paper dealership plate over the actual plate, in order to avoid detection.
Detectives/Investigators also located evidence linking this crew to golf course vehicle burglaries. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Simi Valley Police Department Detective Steven Collett, (805) 583-6968.

The Simi Valley Police Department would like to thank all members who assisted in investigation in what was a collaborative effort of policing. Law enforcement encourages residents to report criminal activity to their local law enforcement agency. Additionally, Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Refer any questions to Sergeant Patrick Zayicek/SVPD Public Relations Sergeant, (805) 583-6209.