Los Angeles police detectives were close to building a theft case against socialite CASEY JOHNSON in the weeks before she passed away after raiding her Hollywood home.

Investigators obtained search warrants against Johnson and her fiancee Tila Tequila and tore through the pair's homes on 11 December (09), looking for clothing and accessory items the Johnson & Johnson heiress had been accused of stealing from an ex-lover.

Jasmine Lennard alleged Johnson had stolen designer gear and jewellery from her - and she called The Police to track down her missing items.

TMZ.com reports police showed up at homes owned by Johnson and Tequila, looking for items including "a Louis Vuitton gold envelope clutch, 'Trashy Lingerie' Black and cream, Bright Pink dress, sparkly gold 'Kitson' dress, modeling photographs and portfolio books, brown antique mink fur, single crystal earring, ring with Pink stone and two clear stones on each side, and a white Herve Leger dress."

According to The Police affidavit, cops spotted a Pink purse that matched the descriptions of one of the stolen items, and Johnson agreed to return it.

The website reports police investigators also found a photo and a ring at Tequila's house, and two blouses and two dresses at Johnson's home.

Lennard allegedly called the cops after spotting her ex-girlfriend wearing her gold dress at a red carpet event.

Johnson was found dead inside her home on Monday (04Jan10).