Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Swimming Pools ... Movie Stars ... Burglars?

SoCal housebreakers go where the money is

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Aug 6, 2007 1:23 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Burglars are running rampant through Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, targeting the houses of the rich and famous. Over the last 4 years, crooks have made off with more than $20 million worth of goods, the LA Times reports. The A-list victims include Sherry Lansing and William Friedkin, Clippers star Cuttino Mobley, and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

The exclusivity of the neighborhoods—high fences, isolated homes, and a lack of nosy neighbors—actually makes the thieves' work easier. Some suggest that residents simply get to know their neighbors, but that's a non-starter. "A neighborhood watch works in a community where the neighbors are open," says one resident. "We have high walls and are private."

Los Angeles police report that burglars have learned to use the security of the Beverly Hills area to their advantage.
Los Angeles police report that burglars have learned to use the "security" of the Beverly Hills area to their advantage.   (Shutterstock.com)
A neighborhood watch works in a community where the neighbors are open and people know each other, said resident, Vee Motto. We have high walls and are private.
"A neighborhood watch works in a community where the neighbors are open and people know each other," said resident, Vee Motto. "We have high walls and are private."   (Shutterstock.com)
With no shortage of wealthy residents, at least two bands of burglars have made off with an estimated $20 million in jewelry, artwork and cash in the past four years.
With no shortage of wealthy residents, at least two bands of burglars have made off with an estimated $20 million in jewelry, artwork and cash in the past four years.   (Shutterstock.com)
Among the Beverly Hills burgled are former Paramount Pictures chief Sherry Lansing and her Oscar-winning director husband, William Friedkin; Clippers basketball star Cuttino Mobley; and country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
Among the Beverly Hills burgled are former Paramount Pictures chief Sherry Lansing and her Oscar-winning director husband, William Friedkin; Clippers basketball star Cuttino Mobley; and country music...   (Shutterstock.com)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Related Links

Apparently the burglars are really really big (seriously!)
Access Hollywood

I'd like to hear from an angry Sam Brownback supporter
Blogs 4 Brownback

 
California • crime • thief • Beverly Hills • Bel Air • Faith Hill • Tim McGraw • Cuttino Mobley • Sherry Lansing • William Friedkin • burglary • movies

More Newser Stories

iPhone Feature Catches Thieves

Perv Robs Sex Shop, Gets Down With Dolls
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne