Newport Beach Police Report Spike in Garage Burglaries

Garage burglaries have just about doubled when compared to the first four months of last year, police reported.

Police say over the last four months 41 garage burglaries have been reported in Newport Beach, almost twice as many as the 21 garage burglaries reported during the same time period last year. Kathy Lowe, police spokeswoman, says the department has taken a proactive approach in response to the increase in crime.

"The Newport Beach Police Department has increased patrols in the areas most affected by these crimes and is educating the community through the Nixle Alert system as well as through the distribution of Crime Alerts throughout the city," Lowe said.

Along with garage burglaries, police say thieves have also taken property from unlocked vehicles parked in carports, as well as garages where access doors were left open or unlocked.

Garage Safety Tips:

• It only takes seconds to remove property from an open garage, never leave your garage doors open even for short periods of time, when you are not present.

• Install a deadbolt lock on all doors leading from your garage to your home or outside.

• Use a padlock in the garage door’s track ¼ inch above the roller when the door is in a closed position. This will prevent the door from opening in the event someone has a garage door opener with your door’s frequency.

• If your door has a remote lock, use it.

• Cover your garage windows with curtains or blinds to prevent a burglar from seeing what you keep in your garage.

• Lock bikes and other valuables to a stationary object within the garage.

• Consider improving the lighting on your property, criminals like to work in the dark.

Newport Beach police say if you arrive at your home and notice something out of place that leads you to think someone has been in your home or garage while you were out, go to a safe location and call 911.

If you see suspicious activity, vehicles, or people call the Newport Beach Police Department immediately at 949-644-3717.