Cameron Diaz Frightens Thugs

December 18, 2000 -- Lithe starlet Cameron Diaz may play an experienced burglar in the upcoming Gangs of New York, but the actress had the tables turned on her when a pair of thieves broke into her five-star hotel Friday night.

Diaz, who's in Rome filming the Martin Scorsese period drama, returned to her room at the glamorous Grand Hotel de Russie, surprising two burglars. The Charlie's Angels star screamed and the crooks took off running, according to The Associated Press.

Police said the two men escaped but dropped two leather jackets and a laptop computer on their way out the door. They also apparently relieved another guest of jewelry and money, the AP stated.

Diaz's Gangs role is that of Jenny, a thief who wins the love of Leo DiCaprio's character, Amsterdam Vallon. The picture began filming in Italy in September.