L.A.'s Elite Wanted 'Private Armies' to Guard Mansions During Wildfires

Private Security Firms Step in Amid Wildfire Aftermath

As Los Angeles grapples with the destruction left by the wildfires, wealthy homeowners are reportedly hiring private security firms to protect their properties, Fox News reported. 
MPS Security is among the firms stepping in to safeguard affluent neighborhoods. 
"When it first happened, they were only letting security companies up in the areas," said Matthew Crider of MPS Security, explaining that only those who could afford it were able to check on their homes. 
For many, hiring security was the only way to determine whether their houses had survived, but others "took things a bit too far," a security expert quipped on X.

Here are five other revelations from the report. 
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Guarding the Rubble

In a surprising twist, some clients requested security to protect the debris of their destroyed homes.
"I have never gotten that type of request before," Crider admitted, adding that wealthy homeowners were concerned about losing whatever remained of their properties. 
Many also had fireproof safes containing valuables, increasing their desire for around-the-clock protection.

Communities Pooling Funds for Security

Despite the devastation, Crider noted that residents are coming together to ensure safety. 
"We're running into a lot of houses, three or four different houses willing to pay for security for one agent to be out there," he said. 
The sense of community has helped ease the burden, but the reality remains grim — families are paying for security to guard the remnants of their homes, while the "government does little to nothing," an area resident shared on X.

Scammers and Squatters Exploit the Crisis

While security firms handle physical threats, other crimes have emerged including fraud and squatting. 
Crider warned about "FEMA fraud" where individuals falsely claim to be residents to collect disaster relief funds. 
Scammers and criminals are taking advantage of the chaos, making private security an even more crucial investment for homeowners during a "grim recovery period."

Covered Six Deploys Special Response Team

Another firm, Covered Six, mobilized its special response team to support wildfire-affected communities. The company noted an "increased occurrence of crime in these areas" and pledged to assist in public safety efforts. 
"Volatility and uncertainty are common, and resources are thin," their website states, emphasizing the need for private security solutions.

Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Creates 'Looter Suppression Team'

Law enforcement is also stepping up, with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department launching a "Looter Suppression Team" to combat rising crime. 
This unit, staffed by deputies from multiple divisions will patrol affected areas 24/7. 
"These efforts ensure continuous patrolling to provide a visible law enforcement presence," the department stated, with aerial surveillance also being used to deter criminals from targeting vulnerable neighborhoods.
Others pushed back on the increased security, with a commenter on Facebook stating, "The rich basically want private armies on hand to protect themselves and their property. Everybody else is on their own."