Actress Rachel Bilson Recalls Multiple Home Robberies That Changed Her Perspective on Safety
When it comes to prioritizing her safety, actress Rachel Bilson is taking a proactive approach to ensuring her family's protection, especially after enduring multiple home break-ins.
"My mom always taught me to not have such an attachment to material possessions or really anything for that matter," she said. "I remember at the time, it was pretty jarring, you know, and a lot of stuff was taken, and being in my youth, it was probably harder to swallow."
The Bling Ring was run by a group of seven teenagers and young adults based in Hollywood from 2008 to 2009.
Together, they stole $3 million in cash and other belongings from Bilson and other celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Orlando Bloom, and Audrina Patridge.
The perpetrators broke into Bilson's home five times while she was out of town before their arrest in late 2009, which led to various prison times, probation, and community service.
"It was hard, and I had a nice collection going of things I really loved and enjoyed," Bilson said.
"I didn't understand how anyone could wear size 5 shoes. I didn't know what they were doing with all of my shoes, but it was definitely hard.
"But as the years have gone by, it's kind of like it's important to be able to let go of things like that."
At the time of their arrest, the thieves were aged 18 to 27, and despite the extent of their crimes, Bilson felt slightly relieved in her fears when more information was revealed.
"I will say, because of the nature of those burglaries and knowing they were kids, there was something that didn't feel as scary or threatening once that came to light, but I for sure started locking my doors and setting my alarm," she said.
"I guess it's like, unfortunately and fortunately at the same time, that I've had experiences with break-ins and burglaries in the past," she said. "I'm a big advocate for a safe home and protection."
Bilson shares her 9-year-old daughter Briar Rose with ex-fiance Hayden Christensen.
"As a mom and living with my daughter, there's nothing that I like better than feeling safe in our home," Bilson told People magazine during a recent event.
Over a decade later, "The Hart of Dixie" star does not hold on to resentment and, through healing, now advocates for empathy and learning to move on.
"They were kids, and I think it's all about letting things go in life," she said of the "Bling Ring" members.
"And empathy's a big thing and you can't hold onto things. And I lost a lot of things, but they were mainly—mostly—material things ... but also it's just important in life, I think, to get that message across."
