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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

(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)
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