Residents of the gated, ocean-bluff Smithcliffs neighborhood in Laguna Beach found something extra on their doorsteps in the last week: an information bulletin from local police alerting them to jewelry heists inside their exclusive enclave.
Last Tuesday, a third burglary was reported involving homeowners that had just moved from Smithcliffs into a new residence in neighboring Emerald Bay. “When they unpacked, they noticed some various items missing,” said Lt. Jason Kravetz, which amounted to $50,000 in jewelry and credit cards. The loss occurred sometime during the previous week, he said.
Detectives have been following up with the earlier burglary victims, who collectively reported $600,000 in missing jewelry in separate incidents reported July 13 and 14.
Several items are undergoing DNA analysis in the county crime lab, said Kravetz.
If anyone has pertinent information they wish to provide anonymously, contact Detective Matt Meadows at (949) 497-0758.
