Monday, 26 October 2009

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Paris Hilton retrieves jewellery stolen by burglary gang

Heiress recovers valuables from LAPD

Paris Hilton has collected her stolen belongings

Paris Hilton, who was burglarized last year of an estimated $2 million in jewelry, has gotten most of her valuables returned by the LAPD, her rep confirms.

‘Paris went to the police station last night to retrieve her stolen belongings,' her publicist Dawn Miller tells People.

‘She didn't get everything but fortunately most of her jewelry was returned. She is really pleased and thankful to the LAPD for their help.'

Paris, 28, is one of a string of celebrity victims of an alleged burglary gang comprised of mostly teenagers.

Suspect Rachel J. Lee, 19, who detectives believe is the ringleader, was arrested in Las Vegas Thursday, and remains in custody. Lee had an apparent fascination with celebrity fashion, a source close to the case tells People.

The crime ring is also believed to be responsible for the recent break-ins at the homes of Lindsay Lohan, Audrina Patridge and Orlando Bloom.

It remains unclear whether the gang was responsible for other recent burglary victims, which include Rachel Bilson, Hayden Panettiere and Kourtney Kardashian.

Other suspects arrested in a sting operation Thursday include Courtney Ames, 18, Diana Tamayo, 19, Alexis Neirs, 18, and Roy Lopez, 27.

Nicholas Prugo, 18, was arrested last month and has been formally accused of the Lohan and Patridge burglaries.

Reached for comment, Prugo's attorney Sean G. Erenstoft stated: ‘I commend the LAPD for apprehending the major culprits in these capers, and I'm confident that Mr. Prugo will be found to have had a limited role in this case.

‘We're pleased that stolen property is being returned to its rightful owners.'

Ames and Neirs have been released after posting $50,000 bail each.

Ken Lee and Cynthia Wang