Millions Stolen In Swath of Crime Sprees In Huntington Harbor Area

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — An uptick in burglaries targeting the affluent Huntington Harbor area has prompted authorities to be vigilant, after millions of dollars in cash and jewelry were reported stolen from the community over this year alone, KTLA reported.

According to the report, the Huntington Harbor area has experienced at least 20 reported robberies this year. Police officers believe that many, if not all of the break-ins, are associated with a well-known South American theft group.

Huntington Beach police officers said most of the thefts possess similar traits, including:

• Thieves case homes in rented vehicles to fit into the neighborhood.
• They break in through a second-floor window or door.
• They make sure to enter while the homeowners are away.
• Typically strike between Wednesdays through Sundays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Homeowner and recent victim Cari Casteneda told KTLA about the horror she felt while witnessing the burglary on her Ring security doorbell.

The burglary to her home occurred while she and her family were away for the weekend. She received a notification on her phone and was able to catch the thieves in action.

“Three guys are leaving our house right now!” Casteneda recalled in disbelief. “They actually had burglarized our home.”

In the end, the three men left Casteneda's home with over $250,000 worth of cash and jewelry. Huntington Beach police officers told KTLA that they are concerned with the recent uptick in home break-ins, with the reported numbers now matching pre-pandemic levels.

In response, police officers have increased patrols in the area, and placed signed around the area notifying thieves that the community is under video surveillance.

Authorities are also considering temporary road closures to limit the number of cars that can drive along neighborhood streets, according to the report.

To lean more about the recent uptick of thefts in one affluent Huntington Beach neighborhood, read the full story on KTLA.