Police in Irvine announced Monday that they have arrested two individuals in connection with a series of package thefts that targeted an apartment complex on Miramonte Avenue last Wednesday. The investigation led officers to a search warrant at the suspects’ own Irvine apartment, where the stolen goods were discovered concealed inside a mattress.

Arrests and charges

Authorities identified Anastasia Vertkova, 37, and Evgeni Vertkov, 62, as persons of interest after reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing residents. Both were taken into custody on suspicion of grand theft, a felony charge in California that carries significant penalties.

What was taken

The Irvine Police Department released a photo on its social‑media channels showing several items recovered from the mattress. The items appear to be primarily clothing, with a total estimated value of more than $2,500. Police say the stolen merchandise has been returned to the victim who reported the loss.

Police response

Chief of Police John Smith praised the swift work of detectives and patrol officers, noting that the rapid response helped recover the stolen property before it could be resold or further dispersed. “Our community trusts us to protect their property, and we take that responsibility seriously,” Smith said.

Community impact

Package theft has become an increasing concern for residents of multi‑unit buildings across Southern California. Many apartment complexes have begun to implement stricter mailroom controls, such as locked parcel lockers and mandatory sign‑in procedures for delivery personnel. The Irvine Police Department encourages residents to report any suspicious activity and to use secure delivery options whenever possible.

How to protect your deliveries

Officials recommend the following steps to reduce the risk of package theft:

• Request delivery to a secure location, such as a workplace or a trusted neighbor.
• Use delivery services that offer real‑time tracking and require a signature upon receipt.
• Install a video doorbell or security camera to deter potential thieves.
• Report any missing packages to the police as soon as possible.

The investigation remains open, and police continue to encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Irvine Police Department’s non‑emergency line.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.