Southern California community plagued by destructive burglaries

An Orange County community is concerned after violent and destructive burglaries continue targeting the same neighborhood over the past several weeks.

The burglaries are centered around an upscale gated community in Irvine called The Groves at Orchard Hills.

Surveillance cameras captured intruders lurking around backyards and searching for opportunities to enter homes.

Residents said eight houses have been burglarized so far with one incident turning violent.

“We’re on our eighth now it’s just mind-boggling,” said a resident, who did not wish to be identified for safety reasons. “It’s scary and it’s unsettling.”

Neighbors have found hidden cameras pointed at homes, appearing to surveil them and likely timing the break-ins to when occupants leave.

“It was installed in the bushes so that they can see our houses,” the resident told KTLA’s Mary Beth McDade.

In a recent break-in, thieves reportedly escaped with millions of dollars worth of jewelry and luxury handbags after accessing a home through a back door.

“When I spoke to [the victims] they were just trembling, shaking and traumatized,” the resident said. “The grandmother was actually inside the house while this all happened.”

In a separate incident, victims said intruders pulled out a gun during the ordeal and held the victims hostage.

“It was at gunpoint and someone was tied up,” another neighbor told KTLA. “It’s really scary.”

Neighbors are scared and frustrated with many asking city officials and the police department to address the concern with increased security and patrols.

“We need to see some action,” a resident said.

“I’m here today to reassure the community that we are working very closely with Irvine Police,” said Dr. Vigor, HOA president of The Groves at Orchard Hills. 

Police told KTLA that communities across Southern California have been increasingly targeted by professional thieves who are often linked with international theft rings and crime groups. They told residents they’re aware of the issue and are working to combat future incidents.

“We have dedicated an extreme amount of resources to this issue,” said Kyle Oldoerp with the Irvine Police Department. “Some that are easily seen and some that aren’t. We have officers on extra patrols. We have undercover resources, surveillance teams out here, video cameras using our real-time crime center.”

A town hall meeting will be held on Wednesday night by Irvine Police to discuss and address residents’ concerns.

So far, no suspects have been arrested. Anyone with information on the burglaries can call Irvine Police at 949-724-6000.