There has been an increase in vehicle burglaries in major commercial shopping areas in the City of Mission Viejo and Police Services is warning residents to take proper precautions.
A vehicle burglary occurs when a car is broken into and items are stolen from within (which is in contrast to vehicle thefts, where the entire vehicle is stolen). The primary locations of the vehicle burglaries have been the Shops at Mission Viejo and the LA Fitness parking lot at Alicia and the I-5. The increase in vehicle burglaries is following recent trends throughout Orange County of SUV’s being targeted, and the primary loss is often the third row seat.
On Friday, October 21, there were five vehicle burglaries in the parking area around the Shops and several of these thefts involved the taking of the third row seat. Police Services wishes to remind residents to lock your cars and do not leave any valuables inside. If you have a third row seat and rarely use it, please consider removing it and storing it at home.
If you see suspicious activity, please call Police Services at (949) 770-6011. If you have information on these thefts, please notify Sheriff’s Investigations at (949) 425-1900.
