Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received a chilling security warning after a spate of break-ins rocked their posh Montecito condominium.
The Duke and Duchess, who were in Jamaica for the premiere of the new Bob Marley film at the time of the latest crimes, were warned by police that they may be the next targets of an organized gang stalking the area.
The latest break-in occurred on Wednesday at a property just a five-minute drive from the Sussexes' $15 million mansion in Montecito, California, with the gang known to have targeted safes.
Her neighborhood, which is also home to Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, received an alarming warning from Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Officer Rachel Zick, while community group The Montecito Association offered home safety tips.
It is far from the first security scandal at the couple's California estate, as it was reported in July 2022 that their villa had experienced six burglary alerts in the first 14 months of their move to America.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received a chilling security warning after a spate of break-ins rocked their posh Montecito condominium. The couple (pictured in Germany in September) were in Jamaica at the time of the latest crimes
The latest break-in occurred on Wednesday at a property just a five-minute drive from the Sussexes' $15 million mansion (pictured) in Montecito, California
The officer's message said: “Over the past week, officers have responded to several burglary reports where there were notable similarities in the layout of the occupants, the timing of the incident and the items taken.”
“In these burglaries, criminals target unoccupied homes that border open spaces such as golf courses, creeks, creeks or the ocean.
“Investigators have determined that most of these crimes typically occur between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m
“The most recent burglaries occurred on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in the 1500 block of Las Tunas in Montecito and two in the 800 block of Sand Point Lane, Carpinteria. In these cases, the suspect or suspects are after safes.”
The Sussexes have a team of guards that includes Christopher Sanchez, who has worked for Barack Obama in the past, and Christopher Keenan, who has protected Hillary Clinton, The Mirror reports.
Harry and Meghan at the One Love premiere in Kingston, Jamaica, with Marlene Malahoo Forte, Minister of Law and Constitution of Jamaica
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a surprise visit to the Caribbean country this week to attend the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love and support the Marley family.
The couple were branded “insensitive” after posing with Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who wants to abolish the monarchy – just as King Charles prepares for prostate treatment and the Princess of Wales recovers in hospital from abdominal surgery.
According to The Times, the timing of Harry and Meghan's visit as guests of Paramount chief executive Brian Robbins was not particularly well received by those in attendance at Buckingham Palace for political and personal reasons.
According to the newspaper, one well-informed source said the trip was “not particularly welcome back in London,” while another said the trip was “misguided.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's security fears: Sussexes are warned about a spate of break-ins outside their Montecito home while the couple was in Jamaica