Exclusive
Ellen Degeneres and Rossi Portia They were inside their Montecito mansion when it was robbed, but the thief still managed to get in and out undetected … so they have turned the place into a fortress.
TMZ revealed the story … the robbery occurred on July 4, and now sources with direct knowledge of the investigation tell us that the couple was home. Fortunately, they were not harmed: it is unclear if they had any contact with the suspect or the suspects, who took jewelry.
They tell us the entry point for theft it was a back door, and no one was caught on surveillance video; however, Ellen and Portia make sure it never happens again.
Our sources say they made a series of security improvements immediately after the robbery, including hiring a new security company, installing laser sensors and cameras throughout the property, and hiring armed patrol guards.
As we first reported … The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said the criminals seized some high-value jewelry and watches, and appear to have attacked Ellen’s place because of her celebrity status.
It is unclear whether the robbery is related to other celebrity robberies in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Sheriff’s Office says it is working with other law enforcement agencies to investigate.
We have contacted Ellen’s representatives … so far, we have received no news.
