What appeared to be a string of random robberies in Los Angeles was actually, according to police, a gang operation that is reminding many of the so-called Bling Ring.
Police said a man caught on camera kicking in the front door of a famous baseball star's home is just one of several responsible for a slew of burglaries at celebrity homes. The gang, police said, was using social media to know when to pounce on the empty residences.
It's reminiscent of 10 years ago when a group of teens known as the "Bling Ring” broke into the homes of Paris Hilton and Orlando Bloom.
In the case of the most recent rash of burglaries, investigators say stars including Rihanna, Matt Damon, Viola Davis, and LeBron James were on a hit list.
Police said the crew of burglars would monitor celebrity social media accounts. When the celebrities posted that they were traveling or out at an event, the burglars would strike. Rihanna’s house was hit just last week when she was out of the country, police said.
Footage from the night of the break-in shows detectives searching Rihanna's estate for clues. That day, the “Umbrella” singer posted on Instagram: “I'm coming to Dubai.”
Singer Christina Milian's home was burglarized twice last month on the days she posted photos from Puerto Rico and France.
L.A. Dodgers star Yasiel Puig's home was broken into four times — most recently during a game two weeks ago.
One suspect, identified as Tyress Williams, has been charged in the break-ins at Rihanna’s home and Yasiel Puig's home. Williams has pleaded not guilty.
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