Police Report Spike in Third-Row Seat Thefts

Newport Beach police issued a crime alert Tuesday to warn residents about an increase in third-row thefts from SUVs.

According to police, between June 25 and July 20 several third-row seat thefts were reported in Newport Beach.  In most cases, the thefts occurred within a residential neighborhood and in public parking lots. Most of the cars were locked. Police said in one case, a suspect stole a stereo but was unable to snag the third-row seat because it was secured with a cable bike lock.

• 2200 block of Cliff Drive on July 20 
• 900 block of Kings Road on July 20 
• 700 block of Cliff Drive on July 20 
• 900 block of Newport Center Drive West on June 30
• 4100 block of Colony Plz on June 25
  

The following tips are recommended to keep your third-row seats secure:

• Use a bicycle-style cable lock to secure the third-row seat to your vehicle. 
• Remove the seat when not in use. 
• Park your vehicle in the garage. 
• Engrave the VIN number or your driver license number on the seat frame.
• Consider parking in an open lot. At night, make sure the lot is well-lighted. Most of the thefts have occurred in parking structures.
•  When possible, back your vehicle in against a solid object to prevent access to the rear of your vehicle.
• Close all windows and lock all doors.

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