The News
Harry and Meghan on High Alert as Criminal Gangs Target U.S. Residence
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been urged to remain vigilant following a recent burglary just a stone's throw away from their residence in Montecito, California.
Reports indicate that a criminal syndicate is actively targeting homes in the area, prompting heightened security measures for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The upscale neighborhood surrounding their £12 million mansion has witnessed a spate of break-ins, with safes being the primary focus of the suspected organized crime group.
The Montecito Association issued a community-wide alert, advising residents on bolstering home security in light of the escalating criminal activities.
Law enforcement officials, including Sheriff Officer Rachel Zicks of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, underscored the modus operandi of the perpetrators.
Deputies have responded to multiple burglary reports sharing commonalities in terms of property layouts, timing of incidents, and stolen items.
The burglars tend to target unoccupied homes situated adjacent to open spaces such as golf courses, creeks, or the coastline, with most incidents occurring between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Recent burglaries on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, specifically at the 1500 block of Las Tunas in Montecito and two locations in the 800 block of Sand Point Lane in Carpinteria, have heightened concerns among residents and authorities alike.
The recurring pattern of thieves focusing on safes as their primary objective has raised alarms within the community.
Notably, the Sussexes' lavish mansion had previously been flagged for security breaches on six occasions within a span of 14 months, indicating a persistent threat to their safety and privacy.
In a separate incident dating back to Christmas Eve 2020, an individual trespassed on the couple's property and was apprehended upon his return two days later on Boxing Day.
At the time of the intrusion, Harry and Meghan were attending the premiere of the film “Bob Marley: One Love” in Jamaica, which drew criticism for its timing amidst health concerns raised by other members of the royal family.
Editor Charlotte Griffiths expressed reservations about the couple's public appearances, questioning the appropriateness of their engagement given the prevailing circumstances.
Commenting on Harry's recent outings, Griffiths remarked on GB News, “I think it's a bit odd, isn't it?
Because he's done not one but two public appearances.
If I were him, I wouldn't have done either of those things, and we haven't seen that much of him lately.