$1 million in merchandise taken in burglary

June Casagrande

COSTA MESA--Thieves got away with about $1 million in merchandise

during an early-morning smash-and-grab burglary on Saturday, police

said.

At least two people are believed to have taken part in the

burglary of the Watch Connection on Bristol Avenue at about 6 a.m.

Saturday. Officers said the burglars may be part of a professional

crime ring. Police plan to be on the lookout for any other area

crimes that resemble the Costa Mesa incident.

The criminals forced open the rear security door of the business

and disabled the business’ security system, Costa Mesa Police

Department Sgt. Clay Epperson said. Then they smashed open glass

display cases, making off with about $1 million in watches and other

merchandise.

“They operated very quickly,” Epperson said. Officers responded

immediately, he explained, but the burglars were already out of sight

-- perhaps aided by the early morning fog.

“It seemed somewhat organized, so it’s possible this is a

professional group,” he said. “We will be looking for similar cases

to determine if this is an active group.”

This was the second time this year that the watch store has been

burglarized, police said. Anyone with information about the incident

should contact the Costa Mesa Police Department at (714) 754-5255.