A man who allegedly stole millions of dollars worth of property from the Hollywood homes of celebrities and others has been arrested, Los Angeles police say.
Investigators found more than 2,000 suspected stolen items when search warrants were served on the home of Benjamin Eitan Ackerman, 32, and a storage unit, Detective Jared Timmons said.
Entertainers such as Usher, Adam Lambert and Jason Derulo were among 13 victims identified so far, Timmons said.
Police posted photos of items on a website in hope of identifying other victims and returning property to them.
The items stolen in 2017 and 2018 include artwork, jewels, fine wines, purses and clothing, said Cory Palka, commander of the LAPD's Hollywood Division.
Authorities alleged Ackerman cased homes while pretending to be a potential buyer or real estate agent at open houses. Police said he also sometimes falsely claimed to work for an investment firm.
"When he showed up he was dressed to the nines. He acted the part. He was very slick," Timmons said.
Timmons said the operation was sophisticated and included tampering with surveillance cameras.
"Sometimes they were just ripped out and other times the cameras would simply go black until several hours after the burglary occurred," Timmons said.
Australian Associated Press
