How can homeowners protect themselves against such tech-savvy robberies? The LAPD offered the following advice to homeowners:

Padlock electrical circuit boxes to prevent tampering.
Avoid telling anyone — including Uber or taxi drivers — when you plan to be away from home on vacation.
Keep an eye peeled for suspicious vehicles lurking around the home, particular those with temporary or dealer plates.
When you are away for long periods, ask someone to stay in the home or enlist a trusted friend or neighbor to bring in the mail, newspapers, etc. Avoid allowing mail to accumulate outside the home.
Boost security with outdoor cameras or lighting. Make sure any DVR connected to the security system is not easily accessible to tampering.
Consider hard-wiring the security system instead of using Wi-Fi.
Use low-tech security measures such as a pole to secure slide doors or windows.
Place an Air Tag or similar tracker on especially valuable items.
Stay in touch/Share contact information with neighbors so that you each can watch each other's home and communicate about concerns as needed.
Cut back any shrubbery that may shroud doors and windows.
Always leave a light on at home, even when you're away.

See also:

Special Reports /

L.A. burglaries highlight smart-home vulnerability