Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s 4th of July break-in was even more intense after it was revealed the celebrity couple were at home when the crime was being committed.
Despite the presence of the 62-year-old comedian and the 47-year-old Arrested Development star, the suspect or suspects managed to escape without being detected by any security equipment, according to TMZ.
In the wake of the burglary, the couple have significantly increased their security measures to prevent such a close call in the future.
Scary: Ellen DeGeneres, 62, and Portia de Rossi, 47, were in their Montecito mansion when a suspect or suspects broke in and stole ‘high-value jewelry and watches’ on July 4, according to TMZ
Sources with knowledge of the break-in reported that the mansion was accessed via the back door.
It’s unclear if Ellen or Portia had a run-in with the burglars, or even if they were aware of the robbery at the time.
They’re not taking any chances in the aftermath, though, and they’ve since hired a new security firm, while installing new laser sensor systems and cameras around the home’s perimeter.
The comic stars have also hired armed security guards to patrol the grounds.
So far, they’ve stayed quiet and refrained from commenting on the break-in.
Out of sight: Sources with knowledge of the break-in reported that the mansion was accessed via the back door
Not taking chances: It’s unknown if the couple ran into the culprit(s), though they’ve since installed laser sensors and security cameras, along with hiring armed patrol guards; shown in January
TMZ reported that the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office stating they believe they were, ‘targeted due to the victim’s celebrity status.’
There is no word on the value of the stolen items taken from the Montecito mansion, though it is believed that ‘high-value jewelry and watches’ were stolen.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office added they are conducting an investigation to see if Ellen’s burglary is connected to other recent home break-ins.
While there is no indication that the break-in is connected yet, the cops offered some advice to others in the area, including a few other celebrity estates.
The cops advised residents against posting on social media that they’re going on vacation, which they say attracts thieves.
On their radar: TMZ reported that the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office stating they believe they were, ‘targeted due to the victim’s celebrity status’
Investigation: The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office added they are conducting an investigation to see if Ellen’s burglary is connected to other recent home break-ins
The authorities also suggested to leave your house lights and your television on while you’re away to deter thieves from breaking in.
The talk-show host purchased the 8,188-square-foot, Balinese-style home in early 2019 for a staggering $27 million.
Other celebs who live in Montecito include Oprah Winfrey, whose 42-acre estate is known as the Promised Land.
Breaking in: The authorities also suggested to leave your house lights and your television on while you’re away to deter thieves from breaking in
Ellen’s home: The talk-show host purchased the 8,188-square-foot, Balinese-style home in early 2019 for a staggering $27 million
The news of her home being robbed comes just a week after Ellen and Portia mourned their dog Wolf.
‘Last night we had to say goodbye to our dog Wolf. He brought us so much love and joy. I hope we did the same for him.’
There have also been several reports of former employees of her show coming forward to claim that she fosters a toxic working environment.
News: The news of her home being robbed comes just a week after Ellen and Portia mourned their dog Wolf
Staffers on Ellen’s show are reportedly ‘uniting’ over all of these reports of people coming forward against Ellen, according to USWeekly.
‘They’ve been calling and texting each other about the story,’ an unnamed source said about the staffers.
‘They’re loving that the truth – which has been an open secret for years in the industry – is finally receiving more interest,’ the source added.
Uniting: Staffers on Ellen’s show are reportedly ‘uniting’ over all of these reports of people coming forward against Ellen, according to USWeekly