Search continues for stolen jewelry
After arresting two suspects earlier this week, police are still searching for more than $300,000 of jewelry stolen from a woman’s luxury car last month.
Newport Beach police arrested Thomas and Brandy Watts on Wednesday and charged each with possession of stolen property, based on a confidential tip.
The Wattses are suspected of stealing a safe containing about $350,000 worth of jewelry from the floor of the back seat of Vonda Simon’s Bentley in mid-October. Others may also have been involved, according to Newport Beach Police Sgt. Evan Sailor.
Simon, who lives on Windsor in an upscale development, apparently left the luxury car unlocked with the garage door accidentally open overnight, according to police.
Investigators have recovered 11 pieces of jewelry valued at about $11,000. They are still searching for the safe and the rest of the valuables.
Thomas Watts, 30, of Fullerton, and Brandy Watts, 28, of Newport Beach are being held at Orange County Jail on $20,000 bail each.
Anyone with information about the stolen items should contact Newport Beach police at (800) 550-6273.
-- Susannah Rosenblatt
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