Bling Bandits: How a Group of Teens Stole Millions From Hollywood's Rich and Famous

In 2008 and 2009, a crew of high school friends went on an audacious spree of high-profile celebrity burglaries, netting millions in the process. Eventually, they were betrayed by one of their own

Background

The film The Bling Ring was released in 2013, directed by Sofia Coppola, and features a star-studded cast, including Emma Watson and Katie Chang. In the film, a group of teenage girls use their web surfing skills to cyberstalk celebrities and break into their homes.

The film was inspired by real-life events. In 2022, Netflix released a documentary series titled “The Real Bling Ring: Hollywood Heist.” This mini-series provided details on the case that inspired the film, bringing public awareness to this high-profile yet rarely discussed case.

Between 2008 and 2009, a crew of teenagers strategically targeted celebrity homes in Los Angeles. Reportedly, over fifty homes were victimized by this group, including homes of some of Hollywood’s most famous celebrities.

The Bling Ring, as they came to be known, allegedly stole more than $3 million in cash and goods from the homes they burglarized. They are believed to have operated from October 2008 until August 2009, successfully evadi…