CA Beaches Among Nation’s Top Spots For Theft, Report Finds

Beach days in California may come with more than risk of getting sunburned — you might want to keep an eye on your bags, too.

According to recent data compiled by The Action Network, three of the Golden State's iconic beaches landed among the top 10 most theft-prone in the country — a reminder that heavily populated and touristed areas usually come with some risk.

“Although many of these beaches are well-maintained and staffed with lifeguards, they’re located in ZIP codes with elevated property crime rates," according to a spokesperson from Action Network. "That’s not to say the beaches themselves are unsafe — but location matters."

The report analyzed property crime rates across more than 520 beachside ZIP codes nationwide, looking specifically at theft, robbery, vehicle theft and burglary per 1,000 residents. From there, researchers calculated an “implied probability” score to estimate the likelihood of a visitor experiencing theft — like having a bag swiped or car broken into — based on the surrounding area's crime rates.

In California, Santa Monica State Beach came in at an eye-popping no. 2 nationwide, with an implied theft probability of 25.29 percent. That number is driven largely by a general theft rate of 55.22 and a vehicle theft rate of 8.91 per 1,000 residents — the highest car theft rate of any beach in the top 10, the study says.

Further north, San Francisco’s Baker Beach ranked no. 6, posting a theft probability of 22.41 percent. It had the highest burglary rate among California beaches in the top 10 (10.49), coupled with a theft rate of 48.54.

Up along the Mendocino Coast, Gualala Point Regional Park quietly claimed the no. 9 spot with a theft probability of 21.98 percent. While it posted lower general theft numbers than Santa Monica or Baker Beach, it had the highest robbery rate of all the California entries — 2.96 incidents per 1,000 residents — suggesting a higher risk of confrontational crime.

In total, California tied with North Carolina and Hawaii for the most beaches on the top 10 list, with three entries each.

The study, they added, isn’t intended to scare people away but to offer a gentle nudge toward caution.

"Our study isn't meant to alarm travelers, but rather to raise awareness," the spokesperson said. "Even in beautiful, popular destinations, it’s worth taking a few extra precautions so you can fully enjoy your time by the water."

You can dig into the full rankings and methodology