The rich and famous residents of Los Angeles' fire-stricken community of Pacific Palisades are frequent users of private security — but… Los Angeles The notorious red tape keeps some guards away from their clients, according to private security experts.
At least 20 people have been arrested on looting-related charges, and authorities said, while warning residents and copycats alike, that the numbers could rise.
Craig Paul, CEO of ASC Private Security in Los Angeles, said he has bodies on the ground ready to go, but can't get permission to send them inside restricted areas where his clients need them.
“I sat on hold for 45 minutes with the LAPD, and no one ever answered,” he told Fox News Digital. “So I finally gave up on that, knowing that even if they answered the phone, they would destroy me.”
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Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills area of Los Angeles, Thursday, January 9, 2025. (Ethan Swope/AP)
He said one of his clients snuck behind police lines and climbed a mountain to check on his property because he was so worried, then asked if his clients could do it, too. He said this was not an option, but he hoped the police would allow his teams to enter.
The Pacific Palisades community in particular, which is at the heart of one of the largest active wildfires, is a high-income community that already faces frequent threats of burglary and home invasions.
“These are $30, $40, $50 million homes with individuals who deserve to have that level of property properly protected,” he said.
Wind whips embers as a firefighter battles the blaze in the Angeles National Forest near Mount Wilson as wildfires burn in the Los Angeles area, during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, January 9, 2025. (Reuters/Ringo Chiu)
He added: “The crime is terrible.” “No matter what we sometimes hear on the news, if you're really paying attention, there are burglaries every night. Pacific Palisades happens to be one of the worst neighborhoods for crime right now. It's daily. There are break-ins and home burglaries happening, so homeowners are right In this, they need and want their security to be able to reach their homes at such a time.
While some private security companies are run by people with a law enforcement background, others are not, Paul said, and he sees a difference in how authorities deal with them.
People view smoke and flames from the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on January 7, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Due to strong Santa Ana winds, the Palisades Fire spread to more than 2,900 acres and 30,000 people were ordered to evacuate while a second fire broke out near Eaton Canyon. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images)
However, David Katz, CEO of Global Security Group and former Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement AdministrationHe said his company pulled out of Los Angeles years ago.
“Looting is bad,” he told Fox News Digital. “People are staying and risking their lives because they know that if they leave their property will be stolen, and if not they will end up burning it.” “I have a lot of guys who can go, but they have to work on a waiver.”
Firefighters protect remaining homes from the Palisades fire. (Mark J. Terrell)
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Herman Weisberg, a former NYPD detective and managing director of SAGE Intelligence, a private investigation firm that also provides armed security to stars, said some of his clients fear they could lose irreplaceable works of art and other property to thieves if the fire catches on. Don't reach them first.
“The government has a terrible, very difficult job, and it's clearly getting a handle on it,” he told Fox News Digital. “And now, we're at the worst part of it from my perspective, trying to address the needs and concerns of my clients and trying to respect the function of government and trying to work alongside them rather than against them.”
A firefighter communicates in front of the advancing Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles on Thursday, January 9. (AP/Ethan Swope)
WATCH: Private security company criticized amid Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades fire
He said he had not seen a situation this bad since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005.
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“I was up all night trying to work out the logistics of getting people there and housing them and getting the right vehicles and supplies,” he said. “It's going to be difficult for my industry, for government, law enforcement, the fire department and, obviously, first and foremost, the families, individuals and businesses affected.”
Two people ride bicycles amid the devastation caused by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, January 9, 2025. (Jay Si Hong/AP)
On the other hand, the cancellation of the Hollywood Awards ceremonies had already lifted some of the burden, allowing him to get his feet on the ground away from pre-booked red carpet events and help clients in their own communities.
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“Instead of standing on Red carpet “To protect people, they will be there to protect people in their communities. The more things Hollywood cancels, the better for everyone, from a security standpoint,” he said.
