IRVINE

In a letter distributed around University Park last week, a resident who identified himself only as “Zorro” claimed to have uncovered an elaborate crime syndicate that is responsible for a slew of local home burglaries.

The letter said the burglars use hidden cameras and cellular phones to survey homes they plan to hit.

Police said the burglaries are real enough but the crime syndicate seems a bit farfetched.

Irvine Police Det. Dave Williams said the department has received the letter but isn’t lending much credence to its claims.

Williams said the area has seen a small increase in burglaries in the last two months, but there is no evidence it’s the work of an elaborate ring of thieves.