Sketch Released of ‘Spiderman’ Suspected in 14 Lido Isle Thefts
Newport Beach police Tuesday released a composite sketch of a cat burglar dubbed “Spiderman” because of the agile way he has entered homes to steal about $500,000 worth of jewelry.
According to a witness who saw him trying to enter a home, the burglar appears to be about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and less than 150 pounds. He is suspected of burglarizing 14 Lido Isle homes since January.
Investigators said he always enters through a second-story window or sliding glass doors. He frequently visits homes while the occupants are at home watching television or eating dinner. So far, none of the jewelry has been recovered.
“We’ve had a problem because of the randomness” of the burglaries, said Newport Beach Police Detective John Desmond. He said it will be difficult to catch the burglar until someone gets a good look at him. “He is very neat, very quiet and very good,” Desmond said.
Police have asked Lido Isle residents to lock their doors and windows. This burglar has never forced an entry.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
