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At least 3 Newport area homes were burglarized over the weekend. WARNING! Gated communities in wealthy neighborhoods are being Targeted by Gang Robbery
NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Newport Beach Police alerted residents that three residential burglaries had struck the prominent community of Newport Coast and Newport Beach's Back Bay. Two homes were burglarized in Crystal Cove and Pelican Crest, both on Friday, officials reported. On Saturday, an attempted residential burglary took place in the Bayview Heights community, they said.
It is unknown if the burglaries are related, and there are no known suspects as of this report. On Friday, a residence on Sailcrest was struck at 8:30 p.m., according to Newport Beach Police spokeswoman Heather Rangel.
"While the victims were away, two unknown suspects approached the front door and knocked on it," she said. When they confirmed the house was empty, they entered the home in a way that officials did not disclose. "The suspects rummaged through two bedrooms before fleeing the scene," she said. It was not known what was taken from the residence, though the suspects were wearing dark hoodies, face masks, carried dark backpacks, latex gloves and carried flashlights.
Earlier that day, a home on Sidra Cove was also burglarized, Rangel said. "One suspect gained access into the home while the homeowners were away, "she said. The suspect tampered with a locked back door to get inside.
"Inside the house, the suspect rummaged through drawers, boxes and cabinets in the living room, bedrooms, bathrooms and closets," she said. Any items missing from the home have not yet been shared.
Saturday, residents were at home on the 21000 block of Mesa Drive when suspected burglars entered the back yard, according to Rangel.
"The victim heard activity on the second story balcony area, then saw multiple suspects in the backyard," she reported. When the suspects realized someone was home, they fled in the direction of the Back Bay Trail. According to Rangel, it did not appear that those suspects gained entry into the home. Police have not yet commented on whether the two burglaries and one attempted burglary are related. Still, these three prominent homes were vulnerable to burglaries, according to police. "If you see suspicious activity within your neighborhood, especially at a home where you know your neighbors are on vacation, have gone out, or if the home is for sale, please call the Newport Beach Police Department at 949-644-3717.
If you suspect your home has been burglarized, always call the police before you go inside. "Call 911," Rangel advises. "Do not go inside."
Stay One Step Ahead Of Burglars
The Newport Beach Police also advise all residents to complete a home security checklist:
Always lock your windows and doors when you go out, even if only for a few minutes.
Secure second-story windows and doors.
Use timers on lamps to give the appearance that you are home—going out for the night? Leave a TV or radio on.
Activate your alarm if you are going out. Add motion sensors in case glass windows or doors are broken, allowing entry without opening.
Keep your front and rear porch lights on all night long. Add motion detector lighting.
Store ladders inside or locked up.
Lock your garage door.
Always keep safes locked and don't leave a readily accessible key.
Finally, if you're heading out of town, stop the paper, order a vacation check from the Newport Beach Police or ask a neighbor to keep an eye on things while you're away.