Over the past 35 days, 34 home burglaries were reported in Irvine, police announced on Saturday, March 16.
“One trend we are seeing is suspects knocking down or disabling cameras. The second is suspects climbing to the second story and entering through a window or door,” Irvine police said in a Facebook post.
The targeted items are cash and jewelry, or anything of value they can carry away, Sgt. Karie Davies said on Sunday.
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.”
‘Tourist burglars’ target upscale residential communities in Orange County
The tourist burglars surveil homes for a few days prior and return when occupants are gone, using ladders, rain gutters, or stacked patio furniture to access the master bedroom, typically on the second floor, police have said.
Irvine police make these recommendations:
- Install security film on all glass doors and windows.
- Maintain a security system and camera system with activity alerts.
- Know your neighbors and look out for one another.
- When a stranger is at the door, communicate with them through yourcamera or from behind the door so they think somebody is home.
- Lock doors and windows.
- Vary lights on timers so the home looks occupied.
- Secure valuables in a properly secured safe.
- Use a sliding window lock.
- Inventory valuables and include serial numbers, receipts and photosof items.
- Register bicycles at Project529.com/irvine
Residents who see suspicious people in their neighborhoods or walking in open spaces behind homes should contact police at 949-724-7000. Anonymous tips can also be made to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.
Burglary statistics from other recent months in Irvine were not immediately available on Sunday.
“This information is nothing new. This is a countywide problem, even nationwide,” Davies said in an email. “Irvine is not unique to this problem.”