Mother-daughter pair sought in Open House robberies

It's tough being a real estate agent these days. From Pasadena, via the Contra Costa Times: "While posing as potential home buyers, thieves made off with more than $140,000 in jewelry and other valuables from four upscale homes in Pasadena that were being shown by local Realtors."

The alleged thefts occurred during the final week of July, but for some reason were widely reported this weekend. More, from the Contra Costa Times:

Three local Realtors showing the homes said they suspect the culprits were the same in all four cases -- two women who claimed to be a mother and daughter from Glendale.... Marianne Aguilar owns one of the homes, on Avoca Avenue. She said the burglars went to extraordinary lengths to get to her jewelry. "It was located in a drawer in the closet of my bedroom," said Aguilar. "It wasn't easily accessible or visible."

Your thoughts? I've got to think petty theft is a chronic problem at Open Houses -- a glossy magazine here, a knick-knack there. But big-ticket items? Feel free to share your stories of Open House larceny in the comment section.

-- Peter Viles

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Comments

[Uncle Billy Eats Tainted Haggis]

What happened to the hirsute young man from Million Dollar Listing that was accused of stealing million dollar painting(s) from his listing(s)? Will there be a trial?

Did we find out yet why 2nd buyer bowed out of buying Ed McMahon's house?

Is there any buying activity on that Howard Hughes mountaintop near the hollywood sign yet?

[Drew]

I can understand the fear of theft during open houses.

However, when the agent showing the place follows you around from room to room and never strays 6 feet from you, it makes it difficult to really investigate the place.

I mean, I do need to see how large the closets are and gauge the quality of the cabinetry before considering whether I'd want to live somewhere.

[Dan]

Here is where the story actually came from:

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_10401983

[sfvrealestate]

Unfortunately, this isn't new. It usually happens during open houses. Usually, one person tries to distract the Realtor while another person heads for the goods. Here's what I tell my sellers: NEVER, EVER put valuables in any kind of dresser or bureau drawer. It's the first place thieves look. Take all drugs, checkbooks and small collectibles out of the house.

Story with no names: a seller of mine had his iPod stolen (sure, it shouldn't have been out in plain sight, but still). The culprit was a pre-pubescent who was starring in a television show. We tracked the showing data through the lockbox, and the parents got the kid to confess and return it. Still, you just never know...

[lefty]

hey guys what's up? that's burglary (entry with intent to steal)! and guess what, if you want a steal there is no better time than right now to buy in unbelievable metro L.A.!! beat the coming bank crowds and don't wait! good luck!

[IToldu2CashOut]

Not to excuse these theifs, but i imagine if you were to look at the listing prices of the homes in question you might wonder who is trying to get away with this bigger heist.

[Michael Snyder]

lefty,
Welcome back!

[peteviles]

Hey, Lefty! Welcome back, great to hear from you. Drop me an e-mail, if you have a chance. peter.viles@latimes.com.

[mucker]

When I managed an apartment building in the Valley I had to two people looking at an occupied unit (with renters permission). They lifted a gold necklace right under my nose. sfvrealestate is right. Hide your valuables. Thieves will always go for the easy mark. Just look at the real estate market today for proof.

[BottomFisher]

I thinks its those BobCats in drag.

[Laker]

About last year, i had visited an open house. The agent was sitting in the living room, i checked one of the bedrooms where i found right on the powder table a checking book. Anyone could have snapped that and jumped to a shopping spree. I'm sure there were credit cards too...
Open houses are very dengerous. I would hate to have strangers go and look around, open my drawers, check my underwear..

[yingyang]

In these dark days of uncertainty, anger, and depression, lefty has come back to lift this blog.