34 Home Burglaries Reported In South OC City In Past Month

LAKE FOREST, CA — Orange County authorities took to social media to warn residents of a sharp rise in residential burglaries this month.

Over the past 35 days, there have been 34 residential burglaries in Irvine, the Irvine Police Department reported.

"One trend we are seeing is suspects knocking down or disabling cameras," an Irvine Police Department statement read. "The second is suspects climbing to the second story and entering through a window or door."

Sgt. Karie Davies told The Orange County Register that the targeted items are cash and jewelry, or anything of value that can be carried away.

The burglaries are similar to residential break-ins that authorities say have been committed across Orange County by South American theft rings, dubbed by authorities as "burglary tourism," according to The OC Register.

The Irvine Police Department offered the following tips to residents:

• Consider security film on all your glass doors and windows.
• Maintain a security system and camera system with activity alerts Know your neighbors and look out for each other.
• When a stranger is at your door, communicate with them through your camera or from behind the door so they think somebody is home Lock your doors and windows.
• Vary your lights on timers so your home looks occupied Secure your valuables in a properly secured safe.
• Use a sliding window lock Inventory your valuables and include serial numbers, receipts, and photos of items.
• Register your bike at Project529.com/irvine.