DOWNEY, CA – A brazen burglary unfolded in Downey this afternoon, leaving a homeowner shaken and authorities on the hunt for the culprits. The incident is part of a troubling rise in break-ins across Southern California.
The homeowner, a 67-year-old retired businessman, received an alert minutes after leaving his home, signaling that intruders were inside. Surveillance footage from a neighbor captured three masked men fleeing the scene with backpacks and duffel bags, scaling fences and evading the family’s dogs before disappearing into a getaway car.
The break-in occurred on Newville Avenue, near the 605 freeway. The homeowner, who prefers to remain anonymous, suspects the burglars were watching him. “I dropped off my wife, and soon after, the alarm called me,” he recounted, still visibly distressed.
Inside, the burglars ransacked rooms, leaving behind a trail of chaos. “I watched on my phone as they tore through my home,” he said. The thieves made off with jewelry, watches, other valuables, and nearly $100,000 in cash from a safe.
The longtime Downey resident lamented the changes in his neighborhood, noting an increase in crime. “I don’t open the door for anyone anymore,” he said, emphasizing his heightened caution. “I even avoid walking my dog if I see suspicious cars.”
Downey police responded to the burglary call at approximately 10:55 a.m. Despite setting up a perimeter in the neighborhood, the suspects remain at large. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The homeowner’s experience underscores the growing concern over safety and security in the area. As police continue their investigation, community members are left grappling with the unsettling reality of increased criminal activity.
Residents are advised to enhance their home security measures and remain cautious, especially when leaving their homes unattended. The police department is actively seeking leads and encourages anyone with information to come forward.
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Author: John Nightbridge
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