Woman robbed on Lido Isle

Lolita Harper

A 55-year-old Newport Beach woman was hospitalized Thursday after

being attacked and robbed in her driveway while returning from a

shopping trip, police said.

Newport Beach Police Sgt. Steve Shulman said the woman was pulling

into her garage in the 200 block of Via Genoa at about 3:20 p.m. when

a man approached her on the driver side of her car. She was alone.

The man demanded all of her personal property and then struck her

on the head with an unknown object, Shulman said in a press release.

It is unknown how valuable the lost items are.

The Daily Pilot does not name victims of violent crimes.

The woman immediately called the police, and officers arrived a

few minutes later. Police scoured the island for suspects and posted

an officer at the island’s bridge, which is the only exit off either

on foot or by car.

Despite the strategic posts, no arrests were made. The woman could

not offer a description of the robber.

The woman was taken to Hoag Hospital by Newport Beach paramedics

for her head injury and was later released.

“While it is difficult to prevent being the victim of some crimes,

it is important to be aware of your surroundings before exiting your

car,” Shulman said.

When parking in a commercial lot, people should be aware of those

in the immediate area, he warned.

If parking at night, one should look for a well-lighted area, as

close to the destination as possible.

When coming home, people should check to make sure they have not

been followed. If they fear they have been followed, they should call

police immediately from a mobile phone or drive directly to the

police station.

And do not unlock or open your doors, simply park and honk,

Shulman added.

Other precautions when arriving home are backing into the garage

and closing the door before getting out of the car, providing you

have an automatic garage door opener.

“If you are threatened with a weapon, give up your vehicle or

personal property,” Shulman said. “It is not worth your life.”

Police are asking anyone with information about this crime to

contact the Newport Beach Detective Division at (949) 644-3790.

* LOLITA HARPER writes columns Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and

covers culture and the arts. She may be reached at (949) 574-4275 or

by e-mail at lolita.harper@latimes.com.