Charlize Theron has become the latest high-profile name to fall victim to a growing wave of crime in Los Angeles, after her car was reportedly stolen from her home.
According to NBC4 Investigates, the theft took place on Thursday when someone accessed the 50-year-old actress's property through an unlocked gate. Sources from the LAPD say the individual managed to take off with a BMW, which had its key fob left inside the vehicle.
Authorities were later able to locate and recover Theron’s car during the investigation.
The Academy Award winner joins a growing list of celebrities impacted by recent criminal activity in the city, including Brad Pitt and Tracee Ellis Ross. Just a week before the theft, Theron was spotted enjoying a rare day out at Disneyland with her 12-year-old child, Jackson. They were accompanied by some of Jackson’s close friends, spending the day enjoying snacks and rides at the theme park.
Theron adopted Jackson in 2012 and her second child, August, now nine, in 2015.
Earlier this month, Tracee Ellis Ross’ home was also targeted. Thieves reportedly made off with over $100,000 in jewelry and designer handbags. The actress was not home during the break-in, which took place around 12:30 a.m. on September 2. Staff discovered the burglary when they arrived and found the house had been ransacked. Police confirmed that three individuals broke in through a glass door.
Last month, Lionel Richie’s Beverly Hills residence was also broken into — but unlike many recent incidents where celebrities were away, Richie was reportedly home when the intrusion happened.
TMZ reported that police received a call just after midnight about the break-in. Fortunately, the 76-year-old singer’s security system went off, scaring the intruder away before they were able to take anything.
The ongoing string of celebrity-targeted crimes in Los Angeles continues to raise concerns about safety — even among those living in high-security neighborhoods.