Crime & Safety

Police Issue Beach Safety Tips

Be sure to secure all your valuables while enjoying a day at the beach.

During the summer months, more people head to the beach, creating more opportunities for thieves. In an effort to keep crime to a minimum, the Newport Beach Police Department is encouraging residents and visitors to follow the following safety tips:

  • Park your car in the beach parking lot. If the lot is full, park as near to it as possible. Parking on a side street away from the beach to save money could cost you much more in the long run. Thieves watch for people to leave their cars and head for the beach, knowing that they are not likely to come back for several hours. A quiet street, without much traffic, might provide a burglar with the perfect opportunity to break-in to your car.
  • Your car will be less of a target if you do not leave valuables in plain sight. A GPS, phone, backpack, purse, or camera might give a burglar reason to smash your window and take your property. If you must leave items in your car, hide them before arriving at the beach.
  • Lock your car and make sure all the windows are closed. If you are surfing remember to take your car key with you! Attach your car key to a large key chain or some other large item. This will make keys easier to find and there will be less chance of losing them in the sand. Never hide a spare key in or around the car.
  • When children go to public restrooms, they should be accompanied by an adult.
  • Don’t wear jewelry to the beach. Once something like jewelry is lost in the sand it is very difficult to find.
  • Don’t take unnecessary items with you on the beach. Leave your checkbook, credit cards, purse and laptop at home. Limit the items in your wallet to a small amount of cash and your driver’s license.
  • When taking your necessary items to the beach, carry them in some type of beach bag. A bag that can be zipped shut is preferable, but if you have one that cannot be closed like that, be sure to keep the valuables inside covered. If you go for a walk, take your valuables with you.
  • Keep your items somewhere that is close and within view. For example, place items at your side rather than behind your back or beach chair.
  • Be alert for people who look suspicious or out of place, and who appear to be overly concerned with other person’s actions and/or property.
  • If you go for a swim, ask someone in your group to watch your belongings.
  • Since it is very easy for people, especially children, to get lost on the beach, remember to check the number of the nearest lifeguard tower. This is a good reference point to help you remember where you are located on the beach.

If you are a victim of theft, or to report suspicious activity, call the Newport Beach Police Department at 949-644-3717.


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