At a Glance
- Three burglars shattered the glass and kicked in the door of Bella Abby and Ava Boutique at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday
- The getaway vehicles were a new BMW and Mercedes bearing temporary dealership plates
- Owner Jennifer Sprenger says the group targeted high-end items-Chanel and Hermès bags-and fled within three minutes
- Why it matters: The incident adds to a string of smash-and-grab thefts in upscale Southern California retail areas, leaving merchants pleading for community help and stronger security
A Newport Beach boutique owner says she is frustrated and fed up after her shop became the latest burglary victim.
Jennifer Sprenger, who owns Bella Abby and Ava Boutique on Coast Highway, told News Of Los Angeles that a group of men broke into the store early Sunday after smashing the glass door.
“They kicked the door down,” Sprenger said, noting the burglars appeared to know exactly what they wanted.
Surveillance footage shows three suspects rushing through the boutique. They headed straight for the most valuable merchandise.
“They go right for all the Chanels and the Hermès, and they just load up bag. And they’re out within three minutes,” the boutique owner said.
Quick Getaway in Luxury Cars
The video also captured the thieves’ escape vehicles: a brand-new BMW and a Mercedes, both still bearing temporary plates from a car dealership.
“They don’t have your standard plates on,” Sprenger described.
The temporary tags suggest the cars may have been recently purchased or stolen from dealer lots, a detail Newport Beach police have not yet confirmed.
Rising Frustration Among Merchants
Sprenger said she carries insurance and hopes it will cover the losses, yet she emphasized that she and other business owners feel increasingly vulnerable.
“We’re tired of being robbed and pillaged,” she said.
The boutique owner urged the community to help stop the pattern of break-ins.
“We really need the help from the community to help this to stop. This is just a terrible thing,” she said. “We need to find these people.”
Security Upgrades Underway
To deter future burglaries, Sprenger is installing steel doors and reviewing additional security measures. She also hopes the surveillance footage leads to arrests.
“They are going out into the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Southern California areas, and they are robbing people,” she said. “It would be great to get some of the bags back.”
Newport Beach police have not released details about possible suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators.
Key Takeaways
- Smash-and-grab thieves hit Bella Abby and Ava Boutique in under three minutes
- Luxury handbags were the primary target
- Similar crimes are affecting high-end retailers across Southern California
- The owner has insurance but wants the suspects caught to prevent more losses
