BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Ring reported stolen by ‘switch’ thief

A $10,000 diamond ring was reported stolen from a jewelry store in the 300 block of Forest Avenue around noon on April 26 in a “switch” operation, Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Darin Lenyi said.

A woman entered the shop and asked to see a particular diamond ring. While other customers distracted the shopkeepers, the suspect allegedly switched the diamond ring with one made of cubic zirconium, Lenyi said.

After the woman left, the shopkeepers discovered the switch.

Store video may provide clues about the identity of the diamond thief, Lenyi said.

Apologetic burglar arrested anyway

A hotel burglar tried to get away with a Nintendo and other property from a hotel in the 1400 block of So. Coast Highway around noon on April 28 but was chased down by his victim.

The hotel guests heard noises in their room, and when they investigated discovered a man inside. The burglar fled, and one of the male victims chased him down and punched him, and the burglar gave up, Lenyi said.

The burglar apologized and tried to return the loot, but the victims decided to call police instead, Lenyi said.

The burglar, a Santa Ana man, was arrested shortly afterward.

Police investigate alleged hotel rape

A woman reported April 27 that she had been raped by an acquaintance about a week before at the suspect’s hotel room, Lenyi said. The victim had accompanied the suspect back to his room. Police are investigating the allegation.