Cop Calls: Burglaries in Corona del Mar

Several burglaries were reported last week in Corona del Mar, according to Newport Beach police.

• On Thursday, March 1 about 1:00 p.m., a female suspected entered a home in the 3700 block of Lilac Ave. through an unlocked rear sliding door and took the victim's property as she slept. Police say the suspect fled with a laptop computer when she was interrupted by a witness. The female suspect is described as 35-45 years-old, 5 feet 5 inches tall, approximately 120 pounds, shoulder-length curly black hair, tan, with wrinkly skin and was last seen wearing long jean shorts and a colorful shirt. Police say the suspect claimed she worked for a decorator and was seen by another witness jumping over fences and trying to open a garage. The suspect was seen leaving in a white, newer GMC truck, driven by a male, approximately 30 years-old, about 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, with a short buzzed haircut.

• On Wednesday, March 7 between 6:00 and 9:50 p.m., an unknown suspect shattered a passenger side window of a car parked on 5th Street and Goldenrod. Police say a GPS was stolen from the dashboard.

• Sometime between Thursday, March 8 at 9 p.m. and Friday, March 9 at 4:30 p.m. an unknown suspect removed the registration stickers from a car parked in the 700 block of Acacia.

• On Sunday, March 11 about 10:15 a.m. a pair of suspects entered an open garage in the 2500 Block of Seaview Ave. Police say the suspects parked their vehicle in front of the garage, walked in and stole golf clubs that were hanging from the ceiling. One suspect was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. The suspect's vehicle was described as a silver hatchback with dark tinted rear windows.

• On Sunday, March 11 between 1:00 and 1:15 a.m. an unknown suspect shattered the driver side window of a car parked in the 500 block of Carnation. Police say a GPS and stand were stolen from the dashboard.

Safety Tips:

• To ensure the safety of your home, schedule an appointment for a free security inspection by calling Newport Beach police at 949-644-3699.

• Make sure the doors and windows of your home are locked at all times.
  

• Install a deadbolt lock in all doors leading from your garage to your home or outside.

• Use a vacation bolt or padlock in the garage door’s track, ¼ inch above the roller when the door is in a closed position. This will prevent the door from opening in the event someone has a garage door opener with your door’s frequency.

• Cover your garage windows with curtains or blinds to prevent a burglar from seeing what you keep in your garage.

• It only takes seconds to remove property from an open garage, never leave your garage doors open even for short periods of time, when you are not present.

• Consider improving the lighting on your property, criminals like to work in the dark.

• Put your Neighborhood Watch to work. Make a strong commitment to knowing and watching out for each other.

Newport Beach police say if you arrive at your home and notice something out of place that leads you to think someone has been in your home while you were out, go to a safe location and call 911.

If you see suspicious activity, vehicles, or people call the Newport Beach Police Department immediately at 949-644-3717.