Home Burglaries on the Rise in These Traditionally Safe California Cities

Orange County Sheriff's Department vehicles are parked outside the Saddleback Station in Lake Forest, Calif., on Sept. 14, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Home burglaries are increasing in Orange County in some of the safest cities in California, police say.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) spokesman Ryan Anderson said the burglaries are increasing in residential areas that have nearby trails or large open spaces. OCSD suspects burglars are utilizing the trails to enter and exit neighborhoods.

“There have been recent residential burglaries in the cities of Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Hills, San Juan Capistrano, and the unincorporated areas of southeast Orange County,” Anderson told The Epoch Times.

According to SafeWise, the top ten safest cities in California for 2021 include Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and Aliso Viejo.

The most recent residential burglary in the area was on Aug. 8 in the city of Laguna Hills, Anderson said.

The website SpotCrime also found that property crime has increased by 9 percent in Orange County, according to the latest month’s statistics.

“Property crime such as theft, vandalism, and burglary is up in Orange County,” the website states.

OCSD warns residents that windows leading to master bedrooms are the most common break-in spots since they tend to lead to more valuable items, such as jewelry, watches, and money. Burglaries have occurred during both the daytime and evening hours.

Police expect that multiple suspects are involved in the recent crimes.

Residents who witness suspicious activity or vehicles in their neighborhoods should call 949-770-6011. For more immediate threats, call 911.