As California battles the aftermath of devastating wildfires, wealthy Los Angeles residents are increasingly resorting to private security forces for protection against looting and scams. Companies like MPS Security and Covered Six are seeing a surge in demand, providing armed guards and specialized response teams to safeguard property and residents. The text explores the emotional toll of the fires, the sense of vulnerability among affluent homeowners, and the rise of crime in the wake of the disaster.
As California grapples with the devastating aftermath of deadly wildfires, a disturbing trend has emerged: wealthy homeowners in Los Angeles are increasingly turning to private security forces for protection. The fires, coupled with reports of looting and scams targeting affluent residents, have fueled a growing sense of insecurity. MPS Security, one such company, has seen a surge in demand from clients seeking reassurance that their belongings are safe.
Matthew Crider, executive protection manager at MPS Security, shared with Fox News Digital that the company was initially one of the few allowed into evacuated areas, providing a service that many could afford. However, the lack of access to information about their homes left many residents in distress, unsure if their properties had survived the flames.Crider recounts the emotional toll this situation took on his team, describing instances where clients would request them to check on their neighbors' homes, offering assistance to those who couldn't afford private security. Agents would capture photos of the destruction and relay them back to clients, providing a painful but necessary glimpse into the damage caused. Crider emphasizes the heartbreaking nature of discovering the extent of their losses through such a channel, but acknowledges the necessity of providing this service in a time of crisis. He highlights a unique request his team had never encountered before: protection for the debris piles left behind after the fires. Wealthy individuals, fearing further theft from the remnants of their destroyed property, sought security even for their possessions reduced to rubble.Crider points out that many clients also had safes, which they believed housed their most valuable items, adding another layer to the security concerns in the wake of the fires. The rise in demand for private security reflects a growing sense of vulnerability among residents, who feel compelled to take matters into their own hands to protect their assets. Crider explains that while law enforcement agencies strive to maintain order, their resources are stretched thin, leaving a void that private security companies are filling. He emphasizes that this demand stems from a desire for peace of mind, allowing individuals to reclaim some sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.Beyond the physical aspects of crime, Crider notes an alarming increase in disaster relief fraud, scams, and potential squatter situations. He highlights the emergence of cybercrime, where individuals falsely claim to be residents to receive FEMA funds. Covered Six, another security provider, has also deployed a specialized response team to the Palisades Wildfire area to address both the immediate threats posed by the fire and the escalating crime rate. Their mission: to provide large-scale support operations and enhance public safety in these vulnerable communities. The company acknowledges the shifting landscape of public safety, where volatility and uncertainty have become commonplace, and resources are increasingly strained.
Wildfires Security Crime Looting Private Security California Los Angeles Disaster Relief FEMA Fraud Cybercrime
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