Burglar Posed as Potential Home Buyer, Police Say

She appeared to realty agents as an ardent house-hunter, a woman on the prowl for a bargain in a time of skyrocketing home prices.

But as Laurie Ogle of Laguna Niguel visited open houses across southern Orange County, sheriff’s deputies allege, her bargain hunting focused more on stealing what was in the homes.

For the second time in less than a year, deputies said, they arrested the 41-year-old on suspicion of pilfering jewelry and prescription drugs from open houses.

Ogle was arrested Sunday afternoon shortly after touring a Laguna Niguel home on Alfieri Street. In her car, deputies said, they found a gold chain, necklaces and prescription drugs from the home, as well as more jewelry from at least two other open houses that Ogle allegedly toured the same day.

Sheriff’s officials said thefts during house showings are rare but nevertheless highlight the possible problems with sellers inviting strangers into their houses.

“You have three or four couples in the house with one Realtor, and he can’t watch everybody,” said sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino. “We have to remind all residents that when they have their homes up for sale, to lock up all their valuables, especially their jewelry.”

Ogle was arrested after a real estate agent showing the home became suspicious when he heard a drawer close in a bedroom, officials said. The agent told officers that he confronted Ogle and asked her to leave the house.

He said he watched her pull away in a red convertible and called 911. A deputy stopped Ogle several blocks away, Amormino said. She was booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of burglary.

Investigators said Ogle may be responsible for other burglaries and urged possible victims to call (949) 425-1900.