Newport police urge awareness for locals

Newport Beach police are telling residents to stay vigilant these days, after a string of more than a dozen home burglaries in two months have alerted the community.

Since March 24, police have seen a leap in residential burglaries in the Mariners and Dover Shores neighborhoods, as well as the Cliff Haven community on the west side of the Back Bay.

Between March 24 and May 14, Newport Beach police had responded to 13 burglaries, thefts and suspicious circumstances off Kings Road and Dover Drive, to name only two of several streets with reported incidents.

Police have stepped up patrols in those neighborhoods and are hoping someone might come forward as a witness, Sgt. Evan Sailor said.

Most of the burglaries occur during daytime hours, leading police to believe someone, somewhere might have seen something to aid their investigation. Police are investigating if the crimes are the work of one or more people.

Most of the incidents involve the burglar forcing their way into the home, usually by breaking a window or cutting open a screen.

The burglar or burglars have also taken advantage of open doors and windows in homes and cars.

Police want to remind people to take a few precautionary steps to secure their home.

 Residents should always lock their doors and windows whenever they leave the house, even if it’s for only a few minutes.

 Never leave valuables such as electronics, a purse or a wallet in plain sight.

 Your house alarm should always be audible and monitored.

 Leave front and rear porch lights on from dusk till dawn, and have motion-sensor lighting along the sides of your home.

 Ask Newport police to do vacation checks while you’re away by calling (949) 644-3717 or going to nbpd.org.

Authorities urge residents to report anything they think is suspicious to police immediately.