Jewelry Thieves Entered Homes Through Unlocked Doors, Windows

A rash of burglary reports from private homes—each of which were entered through unlocked doors or windows—have netted thieves over $600,000 worth of jewelry.

According to the Laguna Beach Police Department, four burglaries were reported on Thursday, while the single largest theft—$500,000—occurred New Year’s Eve.

The dates and locations of the thefts were spread out across the city, from North Laguna to South Laguna.

"We do not believe these burglaries are related, as the dates of the thefts vary as do what was taken and how entry was made," Sgt. Louise Callus of the Laguna Beach Police Department tells Patch. "Some of the thefts have actually happened over time and are just now being reported."

In the North Laguna incident, which occurred in a gated community, the residents had left for two hours and returned home to find an open jewelry box. They then called the police, who searched the home and brought in an investigation team from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to assist.

The other burglaries happened on Park Avenue, Alta Vista Way, La Costa Court and Holly Drive.