Cop Calls: Burglars Take Advantage of Unlocked Windows

Burglars have been roaming around the city looking for unlocked homes in Newport Beach, police reported.

• Police say on Sunday, May 27 at about 10:45 p.m., a suspect removed a screen from an open window at a home in the 1500 block of West Oceanfront. According to police, once the suspect was in the house he started to unlock the front door to let in two more suspects but realized the victim was home. The suspect ran out of the front door and fled the location with the two additional suspects. The occupant said the suspect was in his 20s and was wearing a plaid shirt and tan shorts.

• On Sunday, May 27 between 6 and 11:30 pm., an unknown suspect entered a home in the 1600 block of West Balboa Blvd. through an unlocked window after cutting the screen. Police say once inside the house, the suspect stole two TV's, two Laptops, Bose speakers, a hard drive, money, jewelry and a briefcase then fled out the front door.

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.