Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Warned About Possible Break-In At Montecito; Thieves Targeted A Safe
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were warned by cops that they might be the next victims of a break-in following a string of burglaries in their upscale California neighborhood.
A gang of thieves broke into a property just a five-minute drive from the Sussexes' $15 million mansion in Montecito Wednesday while the couple was away in Jamaica, the Daily Mail reported.
The suspects allegedly targeted a safe that contained cash and valuables, although it remains unclear what, if anything, was taken.
The Montecito neighborhood, home to high-profile residents like Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Rob Lowe, received an alarming alert from Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Rachel Zick following the latest incident.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends the Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the Carib 5 Theatre on January 23, 2024 in Kingston, Jamaica.
"In the past week, deputies have taken several burglary reports with notable similarities in the resident layouts, times of occurrence, and items taken," the officer said, according to the outlet.
"In these burglaries, criminals target unoccupied residences that back up to open spaces such as golf courses as well as creeks, streams, or the ocean," she added.
According to the police spokesperson, most incidents occurred between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the suspects targeting safes.
The Montecito Association, a community group, also offered tips on home security in response to the escalating threat.
Despite having a security team, this isn't the first security scare for the Sussexes at their California estate.
It was reported in July 2022 that Prince Harry and Markle's mansion was the subject of six break-in alerts within the first 14 months of their move.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex walked the red carpet at the premiere of "Bob Marley: One Love" at the Carib Theatre in Kingston, Jamaica, on Tuesday.
Markle stunned in a black spaghetti strap top with a Carolina Herrera skirt and Jennifer Meyer earrings, while Prince Harry opted for a dark blue suit without a tie.
During the event, the couple was seen with Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon CEO Brian Robbins and his wife Tracy James, who reportedly invited them to the premiere.
Brian Robbins, Tracy Robbins, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the Premiere of "Bob Marley: One Love" at the Carib 5 Theatre on January 23, 2024, in Kingston, Jamaica.
But criticism arose after Prince Harry and Markle posed for photos with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who has voiced support for Jamaica to leave the British monarchy and become a republic.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, royal commentator Phil Dampier labeled the Sussexes' move as "insensitive" and called out their silence on King Charles III and Kate Middleton's recent health scares.
The Princess of Wales underwent a planned abdominal surgery earlier this month, while Prince Harry's father is being treated for an enlarged prostate.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Andrew Holness, Juliet Holness and Olivia Grange attend the Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the Carib 5 Theatre on January 23, 2024 in Kingston, Jamaica.
