Gun, jewelry stolen from Crystal Cove home

A thief stole a gun, jewelry, watches and handbags from a home in guard-gated Crystal Cove sometime in late December, officials said Thursday, Jan. 2.

The victim of the burglary was out of town between Sunday, Dec. 19 and Monday, Dec. 27, Newport Beach Police officials said in a news release. At some point, the thief hopped the fence of a residence on Wharfside Drive, climbed up to a second-story balcony and forced entry into the house. The intruder rifled through drawers and closets before leaving through a back door with the items.

No suspect description was available.

Burglaries are unusual in Crystal Cove, Newport Beach Police Sgt. Michael Schiavi said. Guards are posted 24 hours a day at the gates of this hilly community of multi-million dollar homes.

“We get burglaries every day, but out there, yeah, it’s pretty rare,” Schiavi said.

Police urged residents to contact them at at 949-644-3717 if they observe something suspicious at a home that is supposed to be vacant.