SAN CLEMENTE : Attempted Break-Ins Prompt Warnings

Residents are being warned to keep their windows and doors locked at night after a series of early morning burglary attempts over the past five months, along with one incident in which a woman was threatened by a knife-wielding intruder in her bedroom.

Orange County sheriff’s spokesperson Jan Sener said there have been at least five attempted break-ins since July, all in San Clemente east of the Interstate 5.

In most cases, residents have awakened in the morning to find doors and windows ajar. But last July, one San Clemente woman woke up to find a strange man in her house.

Sener said the man grabbed the woman from behind and threatened her with a knife before fleeing.

Sener said investigators aren’t sure if the crimes are being committed by the same person. All of the break-in attempts have taken place between 1 and 5:30 a.m.

In each case, including the knife assault, residents had left their window or door open.

“Many burglaries happen during the day,” said Sener. “But these are occurring during the early morning hours.”

Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call the San Clemente police investigations division at (714) 361-8220.

Residents who want help to plan home security can contact Sener at (714) 361-8213.