Thief Steals Pillowcase, Jewels & Watches In Ebbtide Burglary

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — The homeowner was away when a brazen thief smashed a window and entered the residence, intent on taking whatever he could fit...inside a pilfered pillow case, according to Newport Beach Police Officers.

"The victims were out of town and an unknown suspect entered the bakcyard through an unsecured gate, and attempted to shatter a set of French doors," Newport Beach police department spokesperson Jennifer Manzella told Patch.

After unsuccessfully gaining entrance through those doors, he shattered a large stationary window instead, located in the home's master bedroom.

"Once inside, the suspect removed a pillowcase from the bed and proceeded to open cabinets and drawers throughout the master bedroom, closet and bathroom," Manzella said. He took with him a safe, ten watches and jewelry.

**When holding an Open House remember to remove your valuables or place them in a locked safe that is bolted to concrete. Whenever you have workers or strangers in your home these items need to be locked away or removed.**

Please review the Home Security Tips below. We have also posted a new Home Security Checklist on our website, print it out and conduct a security assessment on your home to see what security measures you can take to “harden the target”.

HOME SECURITY CHECKLIST

Home Security Tips

• If you return home and find your pedestrian door that leads into your home locked, and you are certain that you left it unlocked, DO NOT GO INSIDE!
• Call 9-1-1 ~ Burglars often lock this door to slow down a victim, allowing the burglar extra time to get out of the home before the resident enters.
• If your home is equipped with an alarm, always activate it even if you’re only going out for a short walk.
  • Consider adding a motion sensor in your master bedroom/bathroom, which will activate the alarm if someone comes in through a glass window or door without opening it.
• Always keep your front and rear porch lights on from dusk to dawn and use motion detector lighting along the sides of your home or areas with little foot traffic.
• Use timers on indoor lamps to give the appearance that you are home.
• Adjust window coverings for optimal privacy while maintaining good visibility outside.
• If your garage door has a remote shutoff button on the wall-mounted control, located in the garage, consider locking the door nightly. This will prevent your garage door from being opened remotely.
• If you have a safe, make sure that it is properly bolted to concrete so that it cannot be easily removed.
• Always close and lock your safe and never leave a key or combination out or in an easy to find location (i.e. office, nightstand, etc).
• When you leave on vacation, remember to call the Police Department for a “Vacation Check” 949-644-3681 or sign-up online at www.nbpd.... Also, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your newspaper and mail while you are away.

Report all suspicious activity by calling the Newport Beach Police Department at 949-644-3717.

Shutterstock photo