Cop Calls: Home, Vehicle Burglaries in Newport Beach

Newport Beach police recently responded to the following burglaries in different parts of the city. Police say it is important for residents to take precautions to decrease the chance of becoming a victim of a burglary.

• On Monday, Aug. 20 around 11 a.m., a suspect entered a home in the 2300 block of Second Avenue by unknown means and stole two paintings worth $125,000.

• Sometime between Saturday, Aug. 18 at 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 19 at 1:30 a.m., a suspect used a hidden key to get inside a home in the 600 block of Kings Road. Kathy Lowe, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Police Department, said the burglar stole a purse, wallet and credit cards.

• Police say sometime between Friday, Aug. 17 at 8:30 a.m. and Monday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m., a suspect entered a home in the 4800 block of Surrey Drive through an open window and stole two laptop computers worth $3,200.

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.