Cop Calls: Burglars Target Unlocked Homes

Newport Beach police say burglars recently targeted homes around the city.  Residents are encouraged to be proactive.

• On Wednesday, May 9 at 3:37 a.m. an unknown suspect entered a home in the 1500 block of W. Ocean Front. Police say the man first attempted to enter through a side door but had some trouble, so he climbed onto the second floor balcony and attempted to open a sliding glass door. When the suspect realized the victim was home, he climbed down the balcony and fled on the victim's beach cruiser.

• Police say sometime between Saturday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 9 an unknown suspect entered a home in the 3700 block of Blue Key through an unlocked rear sliding glass door. The victim reported credit cards, jewelry, a computer and money stolen from the home.

• On Tuesday, May 8 between 10 and 11:45 a.m., an unknown suspected entered a home in the 3600 block of Surfview Lane through an unlocked door and took two iPads and some jewelry.

• Police say sometime between Friday, April 27 and Monday, April 30 an unknown suspect entered a home in the 500 block of W. Promontory Dr. through and unlocked front door and took an Apple Mac Book Pro, iPad 3, dive bag, wetsuit, dive watch, knife, and money.

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 and vehicles 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.