Amid Wildfire Chaos, Wealthy LA Residents Seek Security from Private Armies

In the aftermath of catastrophic wildfires, affluent residents of Los Angeles are increasingly turning to private security firms for protection. As California confronts the continuing risks of looters and potential scammers, many homeowners feel vulnerable and are exploring unconventional methods for safeguarding their properties.

Private Security in High Demand

MPS Security, one of the firms responding to this heightened demand, is witnessing a surge in requests from wealthy clients who are eager to monitor their homes post-disaster. Matthew Crider, executive protection manager at MPS Security, noted that initially, only security companies were permitted access to certain areas, leaving many homeowners anxious about the condition of their properties.

Checking on Homes

Crider remarked that the inability of regular residents to verify the status of their homes created a troubling scenario. Many homeowners relied on camera systems that required power and an internet connection, both of which were absent in the wake of the fires.

Despite the challenges, MPS Security stepped in to assist those in need. Crider stated, “Some clients asked us to check their neighbors’ homes, offering support to those unable to afford private security services. We provided photographic evidence of the condition of their properties, which helped residents determine if they had lost everything or if their homes remained intact.”

The Emotional Toll of Loss

For Crider, it was heartbreaking to see clients receive devastating news through image reports. However, he added, “We were also able to tell some clients that their homes were still standing, albeit with certain damages like a broken fence.” This service became a lifeline for many during an incredibly challenging time.

Unprecedented Requests

Interestingly, Crider reported a unique request that the firm had never encountered before: protection for debris. “We’ve never received such a request. It felt unusual, as we were effectively guarding rubble. However, these wealthy individuals were desperate to ensure that their belongings, even if reduced to ash, did not disappear completely,” he explained.

Rising Crime Amid Devastation

The increasing need for private security resources is partly a response to the rise in criminal activity post-wildfire. Alongside concerns about looting, residents have reported instances of disaster relief fraud and other criminal schemes targeting vulnerable homeowners.

Crider elaborated on these issues, stating, “We’re seeing cases where individuals falsely claim to be residents to defraud FEMA. This form of cybercrime adds another layer of distress to those already suffering from the fires.”

Community Support and Collective Defense

Despite the devastation, Crider noted a silver lining in the form of community solidarity. Neighbors are joining forces, pooling resources to secure their homes collectively. “We encounter groups of residences willing to fund a single security agent to monitor their vicinity. It is an unfortunate reality that they need this level of protection for properties already devastated by fire,” he remarked.

Specialized Security Response Teams Emerge

Another firm gaining traction amid the crisis is Covered Six, which has deployed a special response team to assist those affected by the wildfires. Their mission is dual: to counter the immediate threat of fire and address the surge of crime in the fire-affected areas.

According to a statement from Covered Six, their team provides large-scale support operations focused on enhancing public safety. They stated, “The security landscape has transformed, rendering traditional measures inadequate in times of volatility. Our team is adaptive and can swiftly deploy solutions that cater to the current needs of the community.”

Law Enforcement Increases Patrols

In an effort to combat this rising tide of crime, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has augmented security measures by forming a dedicated unit known as the Looter Suppression Team. This specialized team consists of personnel from various divisions, each contributing unique expertise to tackle looting and other forms of criminal behavior that tend to flourish in vulnerable conditions.

Authorities announced that this unit will focus on enhancing patrol operations in regions impacted by the wildfires. Surveillance efforts will be bolstered with aerial patrols, ensuring comprehensive coverage and rapid responses to incidents of crime.

Ongoing Support for Affected Residents

The Sheriff’s Department reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a robust law enforcement presence, particularly in neighborhoods grappling with utility outages and heightened security risks. They emphasized that continuous 24-hour patrols would provide residents with peace of mind as they navigate the aftermath of the wildfires.

A Community Resilient in Crisis

The interplay between private security and community cooperation illustrates the multifaceted approach required to address both the immediate threats posed by crime and the anxieties stemming from the wildfires. As residents band together and seek external support, the challenges of recovery highlight the resilience of communities in times of disaster.

While private security firms have become a necessary part of this landscape, the stories shared by individuals like Matthew Crider reveal the deep emotional struggles faced by homeowners recovering from such loss. This unprecedented situation requires a collaborative spirit as neighborhoods work to protect each other amidst enduring uncertainty.

Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.