Newport Beach Police Launch Operation Safe Holidays

Most people are full of holiday cheer this time of year, but there are some who will be up to no good.

In an effort to help keep residents and their property safe this holiday season, the Newport Beach Police Department is working to deliver an important message to the community: Don't give thieves the gift of opportunity!

According to police, 90 percent of total crimes reported in Newport Beach this year were property crimes (burglaries, petty thefts and grand thefts). Thirty-seven percent of those crimes involved vehicles, and 54 percent of vehicle crimes involved unlocked cars. To help reduce those statistics, police say the community's help is needed.

"We are really working hard to saturate the community with the message that simply locking your windows and doors and hiding your property from plain sight at home and in your vehicles will significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime," said Kathy Lowe, police spokeswoman.

Lowe says it took police 19,360 hours to report and investigate property crimes in 2011, which cost the community approximately $719,400. "It takes only five seconds to lock and secure your valuables, and doing so can save a lot of time and money," she said.

What police are doing

• Informational Message Boards: Message boards have been strategically placed in high visibility areas to raise awareness about locking vehicles and safeguarding valuables. The message reads. "Happy Holidays, Lock Your Vehicle." Boards have been placed on southbound Jamboree, south of Eastbluff and southbound Dover, north of Coast Highway. Two more message boards will be installed, one of which will be located near Fashion Island on East Coast Highway and Newport Center Drive.

• Door Hangers: About 3,500 hangers will be delivered to residential neighborhoods and businesses at the beginning of December, advising residents of the importance to lock their homes, vehicles and valuables to deter thefts.

• Neighborhood/Business Watch: A partnership with the community in which individuals report suspicious persons and activities to the Police Department by calling 949-644-3717.

• Curfew Enforcement: The curfew ordinance will be enforced for the safety of the city's youth and to discourage improper behavior.

• Extra Patrols: Police officers have stepped up their high visibility patrol efforts in both residential and business districts in order to reduce the number of thefts.

• DUI Patrols: Extra DUI Patrols will be conducted throughout the holiday season in an effort to make the roadways safer for everyone.