Man, Teens Arrested in Alleged Bike Thefts

A man and two teens were arrested in two separate Newport Beach bike-theft incidents, a police official said today.

Jonathan Robert McBeth, 19, from Huntington Beach, was arrested Friday in the area of 6th Street and West Bay Avenue on suspicion of petty theft. 

"Officers responded to the area in reference to a subject that was being detained by a citizen who had observed him trying to steal his bike," said Kathy Lowe, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Police Department. McBeth tried to ride away on the victim’s bike, completely unaware that the victim was watching him from a short distance away, she said. 

Two 17-year-old boys from Santa Ana were arrested early Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit petty theft when officers responded to a similar call involving two males who were attempting to cut the lock off of a bike in the area of 39th Street and Seashore Drive.

"The victim heard the suspects attempting to steal the bikes and contacted them, causing them to run away from the area," Lowe said. "Officers responded to the area and located both subjects nearby still in possession of the bolt cutters used to attempt to cut the bike lock."

In recent months the Newport Beach Police Department has seen a sharp increase in bicycle thefts. Residents are encouraged to call police at 949-644-3717 to report suspicious activity. 

Bike Safety Tips:

1. Police recommend residents license their bikes immediately after purchase, because if the bike is lost or stolen its registration number will help the department to return it Bikes can be licensed for $2 at the Newport Beach Police Department, 870 Santa Barbara Dr., or at any Newport Beach Fire Station. 

2. In addition to licensing your bike, it is recommended that you purchase a sturdy lock and secure your bike to an immovable object or store it in a locked garage.