Police monitor apartment complex

Costa Mesa police on Monday continued to investigate two armed robberies in less than two weeks in the Camden Martinique apartment community.

The community, located off Adams Avenue between Harbor Boulevard and Fairview Road, has also had 24 calls for police service in the last month, ranging from robberies and auto thefts to vandalism and vehicle burglaries.

On Saturday, a man entered an apartment in the “F” building around 2:30 a.m. through a sliding glass door that was ajar, said Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Bob Ciszek. When the victim woke up, the suspect pointed a black handgun at her, Ciszek said.

Computer equipment, cell phones, jewelry, wallets and a purse were taken, Ciszek said.

The man was described as being in his early 20s, about 5 feet 7tall, with a thin build and wearing a beanie-type hat.

Just before midnight Aug. 11 in the same building, two men entered through an open door while the apartment’s residents sat inside watching TV, Ciszek said. One of the men pointed a gun at the residents, and the two collected items including computer equipment, games, cell phones and CDs, Ciszek said.

Both men were described as being in their mid-20s. One was about 5 feet 10 inches tall with a “chubby” build and a buzz haircut. The other was 6 feet 2 inches tall with short curly hair and a goatee.

Police said they are aware of the criminal activity at the apartment complex and make notes to cruise by during their shifts. Camden Martinique officials did not return phone messages left regarding the calls for service.

“It’s not uncommon for one [apartment complex] to get hit for a while,” Ciszek said. “Whenever something like this happens, there’s always a conscious effort by officers — they’re paying more attention to that apartment complex.”

He said the police will try and work with management and security personnel on notifying residents of the recent activity, especially when there’s warm weather and people want to open up their doors and windows. Ciszek suggested getting a bar or lock that allows them to be opened only a few inches.