Keep an eye on your keys, police warn surfers

Newport Beach police are warning surfers to keep their car keys secure after a string of vehicle burglaries.

Within the last month, surfers have reported between six and eight beachside thefts between the jetties off the Orange Street and River Avenue jetties in Newport Beach, said Sgt. Steve Burdette.

“Off and on it happens,” Burdette said.

Surfers sometimes hide their keys under or near their cars, and burglars could be watching where they put them, he said.

Lifeguards have also reported that thieves have been stealing surfers’ keys from their towels while they’re in the water.

Thieves are opening the cars and rummaging through them, stealing CDs, iPods and other valuables, Burdette said.

They’re typically not stealing cars though, he said.

—Joseph Serna