Mission Viejo Residential Thefts On The Rise, Cops Say

MISSION VIEJO, CA — It gives you the worst sort of feeling: waking to discover your car door ajar, your glove box gaping, and your garage door opener missing. The only thing worse? To have your home broken into.

In the last several weeks, Mission Viejo police services deputies have taken multiple such residential break-in reports.

"Thieves gain access to secured garages by removing electronic garage door remotes/clickers from parked vehicles," Lt. Quyen Vuong says. They can then use the remote to enter the garage of the home, and if it's unlocked? your house.

If your garage door opener has been stolen, be sure to first lock the door from opening. Then, change the PIN, with the help of a garage door specialist, resident Todd Plesco recommended over Facebook.

The best way to avoid such incidents are to either park inside your garage, or to remove the garage door openers from your vehicles.

Remember, if you see something suspicious call the 24-hour non-emergency dispatch line at 949-770-6011 and select the option for “Sheriff’s Dispatch.” Dial 9-1-1 for an emergency or crime in progress.⁣