Thieves Posing as Guards Break Into Home

Brea police warned residents against opening their doors to strangers after four men posing as security guards forced their way into an apartment Wednesday night, stole jewelry and cash, then fled in the occupant’s car.

One of the intruders sexually assaulted a woman.

Authorities say the men may be targeting the apartment complex in the 2500 block of Country Hills Road, where earlier in the week another resident reported a man who apparently impersonated a security guard. The man left without incident after knocking on a front door.

The apartment is in a quiet neighborhood where residents said they consider themselves safe. The owners of the 224-unit complex do not employ security guards, police said.

Brea Police Department Det. Sgt. Tom Flenniken said extra caution is especially warranted if a knock comes at an odd hour, such as late at night.

“It’s better to call 911 and stay on the safe side than not,” said Flenniken. “Let the police come and check it out.”

The home invasion began when a man dressed as a security guard knocked at the door of a 31-year-old resident about 10:30 p.m. and told him that someone had crashed into his car outside.

After the resident opened the door, the attacker forced his way inside and was quickly joined by three other men also dressed as security guards. The four ransacked the home after binding and gagging the resident.

One of the suspects sexually assaulted the man’s 27-year-old girlfriend at gunpoint. The suspects stole jewelry, cash and credit cards before taking the man’s car keys and driving off in his car, which was recovered in Los Angeles.