Burglars hit homes of Hollywood big earners

Skilled burglars have raided the homes of corporate titans, celebrities and sports stars in some of the wealthiest neighborhoods around Los Angeles over the past year, making off with more than US$7 million (HK$54.6 million) in cash, rare books and jewelry while leaving few clues.

The two, possibly three, men clad in black and wearing ski masks and gloves have hit more than 70 homes in areas such as Bel-Air and Beverly Hills, usually at night and often on weekends.

They evade security systems and surveillance cameras, taking advantage of the fact that many of the estates are walled off from street view and their owners are frequently out of town.

The team often enters houses by using bricks to break through backyard sliding glass doors or climbing through second-floor windows.

Police did not release victims' names. But sources with knowledge of the investigation said the burglars hit the home of former Paramount Pictures chief Sherry Lansing and her Oscar- winning director husband, William Friedkin.

They also stole US$500,000 in cash and jewelry from the Bel-Air mansion of Los Angeles Clippers basketball player Cuttino Mobley.

Read Full Story at: thestandard.com.hk