Alabama woman arrested in string of Southern California jewelry burglaries

A 59-year-old Alabama woman arrested by Newport Beach police is suspected of stealing jewelry from high-end department stores across Southern California for years, making off with at least $47,600 worth of valuables, according to authorities.

Police said they arrested Thu Thao Thi Vu on Friday afternoon after tying her to more than 10 burglaries in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino counties. Three of the crimes took place in Newport Beach, authorities said.

Vu, of Huntsville, Ala., has visited California for weeks at a time since 2012 and frequented the stores that were targeted, according to police.

During her most recent visit, Vu went to a dozen shopping centers, including Fashion Island in Newport Beach, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and malls in Ontario, Downey, Moreno Valley, Santa Monica and Culver City, police said.

Police allege that Vu would distract employees and grab valuable items.

“Ms. Vu is very good at diverting attention away from herself and away from the merchandise just long enough to complete the theft,” said Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella. “Sometimes the theft is not even realized until significantly later [when] inventory is taken.”

Vu is being held in Orange County Jail with bail set at $20,000, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Department records.

Investigators said they think Vu is linked to more burglaries.

Police are asking that anyone with information contact Det. Jennifer Kresge at (949) 644-3786 or jkresge@nbpd.org.