Real estate agent reportedly lets in jewel thieves during open house; $150,000 in loot stolen
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A distracted real estate agent holding an open house in Southern California apparently didn't notice two unwanted guests: a pair of crafty jewel thieves.
The men made off with more than $150,000 worth of watches, jewelry and electronics under his nose, KABC reported Tuesday. The house is on the market for $1.6 million.
"These guys seem like they were professionals. They walked right in, they didn't pay attention to anybody... It just seemed like they do this all the time," the owner of the house in Sherman Oaks told local media, asking not to be identified. "You feel violated."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The owner figured out exactly what happened when he reviewed surveillance video from Sunday. It showed a couple -- who reportedly scouted the property -- distracting the real estate agent as two other men walked right through the open gate and slipped into the home.
One of the men raced upstairs into the master bedroom, the video showed. He reportedly spotted and grabbed a pricey watch collection the owner had tried to hide in his closet.
The other man swiped an iPad and camera -- which he hung around his neck, apparently trying to look like a tourist, KNBC added.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Police said they were investigating, and asked anybody who might have details on the crime to come forward.
The homeowner, a watch collector, said this obviously would be his last open house. "My advice is: Do 'appointment only.'"